Overview
- Israel formally took delivery of the Or Eitan (Iron Beam) at a Rafael ceremony on Dec. 28, entering IDF service as the world’s first operational high‑power laser interceptor.
- The 100‑kW system will be operated by the Air Force and integrated alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow, with deployment to multiple sites reported.
- Extensive trials verified kills against rockets, mortars and drones, while lower‑power lasers rushed into wartime use have downed dozens of UAVs.
- Defense officials say the program now shifts to serial production; the project was led by the MoD R&D directorate with Rafael, with Elbit providing the laser source.
- Per‑shot costs are said to be only a few dollars with no physical magazine, though bad weather can reduce effectiveness, and U.S. planners are reportedly watching the rollout.