Laser

How Israel's defense-tech ecosystem reshapes the battlefield - and the Start-Up Nation

TECH AFFAIRS: What was once a pipeline of veterans from elite units like 8200 founding cybersecurity start-ups has evolved into a full-scale defense-tech ecosystem.

DELIVERED TO the IDF late last year, the Iron Beam system marks a historic milestone – the world’s first operational laser defense platform capable of neutralizing rockets, drones, and mortars at a fraction of the cost of traditional interceptors.
The Iron Beam laser defense system, pictured in December 2025.

Defense Ministry rolls out Iron Beam laser air defense system across Israel

  Iron Beam, Iron Beam M, and Lite Beam.

Israel set to fully deploy 'game-changing, cutting-edge' Iron Beam laser system this month

DragonFire laser weapon system

UK beefs up Royal Navy counter-drone tech with DragonFire laser system


Laser experiment breaks record crossing University of Maryland hallway

The experiment, which made a hole in the wall and fired the laser into the 50-meter long hallway, set a new record

 A laser is sent down a UMD hallway in an experiment to corral light as it makes a 45-meter journey.

Lasers could be used as lightning rods to protect critical infrastructure -study

The idea of using powerful lasers to redirect lightning discharges has been studied previously, but no results have successfully demonstrated the concept.

Laser Lightning Rod in action

Israeli companies leading the way in revolutionary skin treatments

From cancer to prominent birthmarks and acne scars, it is now possible to use laser technology in minimally invasive procedures that require little to no downtime.

A researcher uses a microscope

Arrow, lasers and why air defenses are so important right now - analysis

The Ukrainian battlefield shows how key Israeli tech is to the air defenses nations want, especially as defense from the threat of Iranian drones.

Israel, US carry out successful test of Arrow-3 missile over Alaska

Rafael, Lockheed Martin to develop laser weapon system for Israel, US

IRON BEAM is a 100kW-class HELWS, expected to be the first-ever operational system for ground-based air defense against threats including rockets, mortars and UAVs.

 The IRON BEAM in action.

Focusing on the core vs the edge - opinion

This surgery went well, with no complications. But when the patch came off, I spied what appeared to be new floaters!

 THE PATCHED-UP writer.

Laser air defenses will 'bankrupt' enemies firing rockets - Bennett

“The system knows how to down mortar shells, unmanned vehicles and rockets," Bennett said of the new laser defense system.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and the Magen Or platform

Laser game-changers in Middle Eastern warfare - opinion

When Israel upgraded its Air Force in the 1960’s, it wasn’t designed to be the decisive arm of the IDF, but that has changed with the times.

 THE IRON DOME anti-missile system intercepts a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip toward Israel as seen from Ashkelon in May 2021.

Gantz approves budget for laser interception system

The Defense Ministry “has achieved a technological breakthrough in the development of the ‘Iron Beam’ high-power laser system.”

Defense Minister Benny Gantz approved the budget for laser defense.

Laser eye surgery: Playing 'Space Invaders' with my eyes - opinion

My floaters got so bad that it became hard to drive, read or work on the computer.

 Eye