Israeli defense firm Rafael anticipates deploying its laser air defense systems throughout the field before the year’s end. However, the company’s top executive says that’s just the first step, Breaking Defense reports.
AI-Powered Interception Control
The next phase involves integrating laser weapons with artificial intelligence, enabling the system to calculate how to neutralize an incoming threat with minimal debris.
Supplementing Iron Dome with Laser Technology
Rafael has invested heavily in laser systems as a supplement to its Iron Dome air defense system, replacing kinetic interceptors with directed energy, which is significantly cheaper. The Iron Beam system can burn or fry objects at a range of approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) in seconds, according to Israeli defense officials.
Winning Bet on Laser Air Defenses
Rafael has developed at least three different types of these laser air defenses, which have been showcased abroad. Rafael CEO and President Yoav Tourgeman told Breaking Defense that the company believes this is a winning bet, citing „huge interest in the global market.” Even with operational Iron Beam deliveries to the Air Force, they’re already working on improving range and speed.
AI for Controlled Interception
The types of drones, rockets, and missiles used by Iran or its Houthi proxies are largely known to Israel, and there is substantial data from previous interceptions. With a kinetic interceptor, options are limited, but a laser interceptor theoretically allows for controlled takedowns.
Tourgeman explained that AI could enable the system to learn and improve itself, offering multiple interception methods for each target with different results. For example, cutting the right wing of an airplane would cause it to flip and fall to the right, while cutting the left wing would cause it to fall to the left.
Naval Applications and European Concerns
Tourgeman also expressed confidence that the Iron Beam and its follow-ons will be able to operate from ships, describing it as „optimal for a ship.”
Regarding European concerns, Tourgeman acknowledged the political pressures on domestic defense firms abroad, especially in Europe, following Israel’s retaliation in Gaza. However, he stated that this rhetoric has not yet impacted their sales, arguing that customers buy their equipment because it’s the best, not because they are „nicer” or „liked more.”
Spain and the Spike Anti-Tank Missiles
He pointed to Spain, which announced plans to cancel an Israeli buy, including $339 million worth of Rafael’s Spike anti-tank missiles. According to Tourgeman, however, they have not seen any formal cancelation yet.
Paris Air Show Incident
Tourgeman also addressed the incident at this year’s Paris Air Show, where Israeli defense firms found their booths wrapped in giant black cloth. He sarcastically suggested that if the French didn’t want people to see their products, they could see demonstrations in Iran, adding that the exposure they received was even bigger than usual.
Return to Paris in 2027
Despite the incident, Tourgeman stated that he plans to be back in Paris in 2027, refusing to give in to politicians trying to cause harm. He also indicated that the Israeli government has filed a case regarding the incident, and the company will let that play out.
