Post by : Shakul

Israel has deployed its high‑power laser air defence system, Iron Beam, in live combat for the first time, successfully intercepting rockets and drones launched toward its territory during recent hostilities from Lebanon’s Hezbollah group, officials and media reports confirm. The deployment marks a historic moment for directed‑energy weapons in real‑world defence scenarios.

Iron Beam — also known as “Or Eitan” (“Shield of Light”) — is a 100‑kilowatt class high‑energy laser system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in cooperation with Elbit Systems. Delivered to the Israel Defense Forces in late December 2025, the system complements Israel’s multi‑tier air defence network — which includes Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow systems — by targeting short‑range rockets, mortar shells, drones and other aerial threats with a laser beam that destroys targets by superheating their structure mid‑flight.

During the recent exchange of fire on Israel’s northern border, footage shared on social media showed Iron Beam engaging incoming rockets and drones in what military officials described as the first operational use of the system in active defence. The laser weapon operates at the speed of light, offers rapid interception and carries a significantly lower cost per shot than conventional interceptor missiles, making it a potentially transformative shield in a sustained conflict environment.

The successful use of Iron Beam comes amid broader regional tensions following escalations with Iran‑aligned groups after the reported killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which has seen repeated rocket and drone barrages targeting Israeli territory. The integration of laser defence into the country’s arsenal underscores Israel’s focus on advanced technologies to protect civilian populations and military assets against evolving aerial threats.

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