Israel uses military laser for the first time to shoot down enemy drones in real combat (X @RAFAELdefense)
Israel marked a historic breakthrough by using a laser system for the first time to shoot down drones in real combat.
The technology, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, was employed during the Swords of Iron operation, when the lasers hit multiple enemy drones, even burning the wing of one of them, destroying it in mid-air.
Although exact details about the location and timing of the action were not disclosed, it is believed that the use took place on the border between Gaza and Egypt.
The system used is possibly the Iron Beam, a high-power laser (100 kW) with a range of up to ten kilometers, which Israel is incorporating into its air defense. This practical application represents a significant leap in the military use of lasers, which have been explored for decades in various functions, such as measuring, weapon guidance, and even visual dazzling in previous conflicts.
Although laser weapons may seem futuristic, they have existed for quite some time, with military uses dating back to the 1960s. However, their use to destroy drones is unprecedented and marks a new era, in which lasers not only hinder enemy operations but directly eliminate threats on the battlefield, expanding the potential of modern defenses.
Source: Olhar Digital | Photo: X @RAFAELdefense | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
A World First — Combat-Proven Laser Defense, Powered by Rafael
For the first time in history, high-power laser systems have been used to intercept aerial threats in combat.
This unprecedented breakthrough took place during the Swords of Iron War — with Rafael’s advanced… pic.twitter.com/B3D6UdCJvE— Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (@RAFAELdefense) May 28, 2025
