Israeli Company’s Advancements in Laser Air Defense
Fresh on the heels of Israel’s successful deployment of Rafael’s laser defense systems to intercept incoming threats, Rafael is set to display three cutting-edge laser systems at the upcoming Paris Air Show. The show highlights the company’s ongoing efforts to expand its multi-layered air defense network, mirroring its successful Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems, but with laser technology.
Progress and Delivery Timeline
Rafael reports that these laser defenses demonstrated effective threat intercepts during testing in 2022. The company is on schedule to deliver these systems to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) by the end of 2025, emphasizing their readiness for operational deployment.
Introducing the Family of Laser Defense Systems
At the October 2024 Association of United States Army (AUSA) conference, Rafael unveiled a new, smaller vehicle-mounted laser system called Lite Beam. This tactical 10kW laser is designed primarily to counter small drones and similar threats and is the first in a developing family of laser defense solutions.
The second system, Iron Beam M, is a mobile 50kW laser suitable for combating larger threats such as rockets, mortars, and bigger drones. Rafael views this platform as ideal for forward-deployed units needing a compact, rapidly deployable defense.
The third, larger version of Iron Beam, boasts a 100kW laser with a 450mm aperture, aiming to deliver longer range, higher precision, and faster engagement speeds. Rafael claims this system offers wide-area coverage capable of neutralizing high-velocity aerial threats with minimal operational costs—though specific range figures remain undisclosed.
Enhanced Capabilities and Innovation
Rafael asserts that these systems build upon breakthroughs in adaptive optics, resulting in significant improvements in range, accuracy, and operational efficiency. Rafael’s Chairman, Yuval Steinitz, emphasized that these systems “are based on a scientific breakthrough in adaptive optics and represent the result of years of intense development,” underscoring their technological edge.
Yoav Tourgeman, Rafael CEO and President, added that the new laser systems combine high precision with swift response times and low interception costs, reaffirming Rafael’s commitment to innovation for Israel’s security.
Strategic Market Re-engagement in Europe
Rafael’s presence at the Paris Air Show marks a significant return for Israeli defense firms to French arms exhibitions following two years of bans in 2024 due to the Gaza conflict. While Israeli firms were barred from Eurosatory in June 2024, French courts ultimately lifted the ban. Similar attempts to exclude Israeli firms from Euronaval in October 2024 were also overturned, allowing firms to re-engage with the European market.
Expanding Israeli Defense Influence in Europe
While rebuilding trust in Europe, Israel’s defense industry continues expanding its reach. Recently, Israel’s Ministry of Defense announced that Israel and Germany are beginning preparations to deliver the Arrow 3 missile system to Germany, a deal finalized in 2023. Finland is also set to acquire Israel’s David’s Sling system, reflecting Israel’s growing prominence in the European military landscape. The Arrow 3, produced by Israel Aerospace Industries, is a key component of Israel’s advanced missile defense portfolio.
Conclusion
With its cutting-edge laser defense systems poised for display at Paris, Rafael underscores Israel’s leadership in missile countermeasures and air defense innovation. These developments come amid a broader effort to re-establish Israel’s presence in European arms markets and demonstrate the country’s advancing technological capabilities in the global defense industry.
