From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Israel used new laser interception system to take down Hezbollah drones during fighting last year, IDF reveals
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
During the fighting in Lebanon last year, the Israeli Air Force intercepted dozens of Hezbollah drones using a new laser interception system, the IDF and Defense Ministry reveal, six months into a ceasefire.
The new system that was used during the fighting is a smaller version of the Iron Beam high-powered laser interception system, which is set to be given to the IDF later this year. Both systems are developed by the Rafael defense firm.
The ministry says the development of the system was advanced in light of the Hezbollah drone threat in the north. Hezbollah fired more than 300 explosive-laden drones at Israel amid the fighting.
“During the war, the Air Force… deployed the laser system, and led to particularly high interception achievements that saved civilians and defended national assets,” the IDF and Defense Ministry say.
A laser interception system shoots down drones over northern Israel, in an undated video published by the Defense Ministry on May 28, 2025. (Defense Ministry)
The Times of Israel Community.