During the Swords of Iron War, the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), the Israeli Air Force (IAF), and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems executed an accelerated development program to deploy revolutionary interception systems. As a result of this initiative, soldiers from the IAF Aerial Defense Array operated high-power laser system prototypes in the field, successfully intercepting scores of enemy threats.
These systems are based on technological breakthroughs developed over decades at Rafael, in close cooperation with the R&D Division of the DDR&D. The deployed laser systems are part of Rafael’s portfolio of directed energy weapon systems, developed in collaboration with the IMOD, and complement the more powerful Iron Beam system, currently under development, which is expected to be delivered to the IDF later this year.
Throughout the current war, the IAF, including its Aerial Defense Array soldiers, studied and deployed the laser systems in the field, achieving outstanding interception rates that saved civilian lives and protected national assets.
Dr. Yuval Steinitz, Chairman of Rafael said: “Israel is the first country in the world to transform high-power laser technology into a fully operational system – and to execute actual combat interceptions. We are extremely proud of Rafael’s achievement in leading this operational and technological breakthrough.”
Yoav Tourgeman, CEO of Rafael, said: “Rafael is leading the energy weapon revolution. The ingenuity and boldness of our scientists, coupled with our massive investment in R&D, led to a monumental operational accomplishment. Later this year, we will deliver the first Iron Beam system — a game-changing solution that will fundamentally reshape the defense equation.”
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