Israel’s new laser defence system intercepts rockets as regional tech race intensifies

By Isabella Egerton

Israel has confirmed the first operational use of its high-energy laser air defence system to intercept rockets launched from Lebanon, signalling a new era in modern air defence.

Footage released by the IDF shows the system, widely known as Iron Beam and officially named Or Eitan (“Eitan’s Light”), destroying rockets fired towards northern Israel. The interceptions came after rockets were launched from Lebanon into northern Israel, as regional tensions escalated following Israeli and US strikes on Iranian targets.

The laser system supplements Israel’s existing Iron Dome network. Unlike Iron Dome, which relies on Tamir interceptor missiles, Iron Beam uses a concentrated beam of energy to neutralise rockets, mortars and drones. The system engages targets at the speed of light and does not require a physical interceptor.

Development began in 2014. In December, Israel’s Ministry of Defence delivered its first operational units to the IDF.

Defence Minister Israel Katz described the moment as “a historic occasion”, stating it was “the first time in the world that a high-power laser interception system has reached operational maturity”.

“[This] changes the rules of the game and sends a clear message to all our enemies… do not test us,” he added.

The technology was developed by Elbit Systems. It is designed to counter short-range threats, enabling higher-tier systems to focus on larger missile threats. The name Or Eitan commemorates Captain Eitan Oster, an IDF commander killed fighting in Lebanon in October 2024.

The IDF said it had opened an “offensive campaign” in Lebanon following the rocket fire. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Israel’s chief of staff, said: “We need strong defensive readiness and continuous offensive preparedness, in waves.”

The operational debut of laser interception comes as Iran deepens its technological partnerships with China.

Tehran has integrated China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, specifically the BeiDou-3 constellation, into elements of its military navigation architecture. BeiDou includes a short-message communication function designed to operate even if terrestrial networks are disrupted. Open-source reporting indicates access to encrypted, high-precision signals intended to reduce vulnerability to jamming.

China operates a satellite fleet of more than 500 platforms. Public reporting suggests Chinese space-based assets provide signals intelligence and terrain mapping data that can support Iranian operational planning, including maritime awareness in the Gulf.

Beijing has also supplied Iran with advanced radar technology, including the YLC-8B UHF-band system. UHF radars operate at low frequencies intended to detect aircraft designed to evade conventional radar. Iran is also reported to be finalising arrangements for the CM-302 anti-ship missile, the export variant of the YJ-12, which has a reported range of approximately 290 kilometres and travels at supersonic speed.

Israel’s successful laser interceptions mark the first confirmed combat use of a high-power directed-energy air defence system. At the same time, Iran’s integration of Chinese navigation, radar and missile systems is strengthening the precision, resilience and reach of its military capabilities. The latest developments point to the growing role of advanced air defence, satellite navigation and long-range strike systems in shaping military combat across the region.