Counter-drone laser: Israel discloses operational shoot-downs for the first time

Israel has for the first time released documents and videos showing operational laser shoot-downs of drones. According to them, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have already used this counter-drone defence against dozens of drones during Operation “Swords of Iron”. The operation targets Hamas in the Gaza Strip and has been running since 7 October 2023, the day of the terrorist attack on Israel.

Three actors drove the accelerated development: the Ministry of Defence’s defence intelligence service, the Israeli Air Force and the defence company Rafael.

Counter-drone laser in the field

According to the Ministry of Defence’s public affairs office, the Air Force – including fighter aircraft of the air defence forces – has used laser systems in the field, with exceptionally high interception rates.

Brigadier General (res.) Daniel Gold, head of Israel’s defence intelligence service, stated: “The State of Israel is the first country in the world to have a massive operational laser capability for countering threats.” And: “For years, the Israeli defence intelligence service, together with the defence industry and start-ups, has driven the development of this powerful laser. Its use was demonstrated in the war with enormous operational and technological success.”

The statement continues: “The laser will form an additional interception layer in the multi-layered defence system developed with great effort by the defence industry and our exceptional human capital in the State of Israel. We will continue to advance the technology and equip the Israel Defense Forces with world-leading systems and technologies. We will also continue to pursue a vision of security in the air, at sea, on land and in every dimension and medium.”