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Elbit Raises Half a Billion Dollars for the Laser Revolution
The battlefield race is just beginning as Israel leads development of revolutionary energy weapon systems capable of intercepting rockets and drones at a fraction of the cost of missiles.
The Magen Or Defense System
Capabilities
The energy weapon, soon entering operational service with the IDF through the air defense system "Magen Or," marks the beginning of a revolution that will transform the battlefield in the coming years. Initially, the effective interception range for laser threats will be around 10 km, suitable for rockets, mortar shells, and drones currently intercepted by missiles—an expensive and limited solution.
Limitations
One primary challenge for laser interception will be during winter or days characterized by dust and cloud cover, conditions that scatter the laser beam and render it ineffective. However, recently, Rafael CEO Yoav Har-Even stated in a Calcalist interview that breakthroughs have also been achieved in these areas.
Expanding Capabilities Beyond Ground Systems
Ground-Based Systems
Initially, the effective interception range for laser threats will be around 10 km, suitable for rockets, mortar shells, and drones currently intercepted by missiles—an expensive and limited solution.
Airborne Lasers
Elbit Systems is developing capabilities to deploy lasers from aircraft or drones flying above cloud cover, enabling cost-effective, rapid neutralization of ballistic missiles and even hypersonic missiles capable of traveling at speeds at least five times the speed of sound.
Space-Based Systems
A glimpse of this vision was previously shared in an interview with Calcalist by Elbit's President and CEO Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, who discussed future potential for developing a portfolio of energy-based products to be operated even from space.
Historic Shift in Battlefield Technology
1
Traditional Weapons
If, over recent decades, battlefield weapons have essentially remained the same—only undergoing necessary upgrades, adaptations, and improvements—such as missiles, tanks, aircraft, and shells...
2
Energy Weapons
...a high-power laser represents an entirely new category of weaponry that will gradually become a central element of future warfare.
3
Israeli Leadership
Through its defensive laser development program, Israel has established itself as a leading nation in the field, achieving expertise and capabilities that even major powers have struggled to obtain.
Global Competition in Laser Technology
Israel
Leading nation in the field, achieving expertise and capabilities that even major powers have struggled to obtain.
China
Actively striving to achieve real capabilities in laser technologies, attempting to challenge Israel's technological advantage.
Iran
Working to develop laser systems that might soon require Israeli companies to create countermeasures against new enemy capabilities.
United States
Supporting Israel's development with special grants for laser generators and other defense systems.
Managing Public Expectations
Complementary System
"Magen Or" won't replace the Iron Dome, and at least initially, it will complement the popular air defense system, which was also developed and produced by Rafael.
Ongoing Threats
Even after 600 days of multi-front warfare, citizens may still need to shelter in safe rooms, bomb shelters, or stairwells due to missiles launched at Israel from Yemen or rockets fired from Gaza.
Expert Assessment
"The laser won't solve all our problems nor address every threat aimed at us," clarified former Air Defense Commander Brigadier General (res.) Ran (Rencho) Kochav.
Technical Challenges and Solutions
Weather Limitations
One primary challenge for laser interception will be during winter or days characterized by dust and cloud cover, conditions that scatter the laser beam and render it ineffective.
Recent Breakthroughs
Rafael CEO Yoav Har-Even stated in a Calcalist interview that breakthroughs have also been achieved in these areas.
Massive Rocket Salvos
Another challenge facing "Magen Or" relates to its ability to respond to massive rocket salvos simultaneously fired at Israel. One intriguing question is the laser beam's capability to rapidly intercept large numbers of rockets.
Interception Method
Interception is achieved by focusing the laser on rockets or drones, effectively "cooking" them mid-flight, causing them to fall harmlessly to the ground without detonating.
Funding and Development
$500M
Elbit's Wall Street Offering
A week ago, Elbit completed a half-billion-dollar offering on Wall Street, aiming to expand its operations in the European market and accelerate development of the airborne laser.
₪2B
Israeli Procurement
The Ministry of Defense had already issued a procurement order worth approximately 2 billion shekels to Elbit and Rafael to complete the development of "Magen Or" and acquire initial interception systems.
$Billions
U.S. Grant
A significant portion of the required funds for Rafael's laser generators stems from a special grant provided to Israel by former U.S. President Joe Biden toward the end of his term.