The Israeli Defense Ministry announced the completion of development of a high-powered laser defense system. In a joint statement from Mafat (the Defense Ministry’s Research and Development Unit), the Air Force, and the defense contractor Rafael, it was reported that a comprehensive series of operational tests in a fully operational configuration was successfully completed in recent weeks at a test site in the south of the country. The system demonstrated reliable hits against a range of threats—from rockets and mortar shells to drones—and is expected to be transferred to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for operational use before the end of the year.
Symbolically, the system was named “Or Eitan” (Strong Light) in Hebrew. It is dedicated to the fallen officer Eitan Oster, whose father was one of the project’s co-initiators.
For many Israelis, however, the name also evokes another association: the popular Hanukkah song “Banu Choshech Legaresh” (“We Came to Drive Out the Darkness”). The song includes the line: “Kol echad hu or katan, v’kulanu or eitan” – “Each of us is a small light, but together we are a strong light.” This song is a staple of Hanukkah celebrations in schools, kindergartens, and families across Israel. Its words serve as a reminder that individual actions may seem small, but together they create an insurmountable strength. Thus, the name “Or Eitan” builds a symbolic bridge: it stands not only for military technology but also for the idea of national unity.
Technically, “Or Eitan” is a ground-based, high-energy laser defense system primarily designed to counter short- to medium-range air threats: rockets, mortars, small missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Its advantage lies in its rapid reaction time and very low direct costs per interception—unlike missile-based interception systems, where each hit comes with significantly higher costs. Rafael also emphasized the use of adaptive optics to keep the laser beam stable and precisely focused on moving targets.
In addition to Rafael, the project involved Elbit (as the manufacturer of the laser source) and other Israeli defense companies and suppliers. The development was led by the Mafat unit within the Defense Ministry. This collaboration between government research, major defense contractors, and high-tech suppliers is seen as key to Israel’s technological edge.
According to Defense Minister Israel Katz, achieving operational readiness marks a “historic milestone”:
“The completed laser interception capability places Israel at the forefront of global military technology, making us the first country with this capability. It is not only a moment of national pride but a historic turning point for our defense—and at the same time, a clear message to our enemies from Gaza to Iran, Lebanon, and Yemen: We are strong in defense and equally so in offense.”
Amir Baram, Director General of the Defense Ministry, also spoke of a global first:
“For the first time, a high-powered laser system has reached operational maturity and has carried out numerous interceptions in realistic scenarios.”
The head of Mafat, Dr. Dani Gold, described the tests as a technological breakthrough and highlighted the innovative strength:
“‘Or Eitan’ is another testament to the professionalism of our defense industry, to creativity, innovation, and implementation capability. We have achieved global superiority—both technologically and operationally.”
The laser system is set to be integrated as an additional layer in Israel’s multi-tiered defense system—alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the Arrow system. The goal is a division of labor based on the type of threat, range, and cost-benefit considerations: where the laser is suitable, it provides rapid, precise, and cost-effective neutralization of smaller air targets.
“Banu choshech legaresh” (“We have come to dispel the darkness”). Photo: Israeli Ministry of Defense.
The chairman of Rafael, Yuval Steinitz, stated:
“Rafael is the first and only company worldwide to have developed a high-powered laser into an operational interception system. After the Iron Dome, we are now introducing the Laser Dome, which will fundamentally change the battlefield.”
Israel is thus the first country in the world to deploy such a system operationally. International observers consider the development a milestone that will likely shape the future of air defense. The coming months will show how quickly and to what extent the systems will be integrated into various combat units.
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