Israel Deploys Magen Or Laser Interception System to Shoot Down Drones in Gaza

Israel has become the first country in the world to use laser weapons (Magen) to shoot down enemy drones during the ongoing war in Gaza.

• The Israeli Air Force’s Aerial Defense Array used the prototype laser air defences during the “Swords of Iron War”.

About the Magen Or Laser Interception System

• The “Magen Or” (Shield of Light) laser interception system is a part of Israel’s larger Iron Beam laser weapon program.
• Developed By: It was developed by Israel-based defence company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems

Working of the Laser Weapon (Magen Or)

• The system emits a concentrated, high-energy laser beam directed at an incoming target, such as enemy drones or rockets.
• The laser beam heats the target’s surface rapidly, causing structural failure, ignition, or damage to critical components.
• The system uses advanced tracking and targeting technologies to lock onto fast-moving threats with high precision.
• As a directed-energy weapon, it operates at the speed of light, providing instantaneous engagement.

Key Features of the Laser Weapon (Magen Or)

• Precision Targeting: Capable of accurately tracking and hitting small, fast-moving objects like drones and missiles.
• Speed of Engagement: Uses light-speed energy beams, enabling near-instantaneous destruction of threats.
• Stealth: Silent operation with no visible projectile, making it hard for enemies to detect.
• Cost-Effective: Unlike traditional missiles, it does not rely on expensive ammunition, reducing operational costs per shot.
  • Approximately $5 per shot, compared to $50,000 for an Iron Dome interceptor.
• Reduced Collateral Damage: Focused energy minimizes the risk of unintended damage compared to explosive interceptors.
• Scalable Power: Laser intensity can be adjusted depending on the size and type of the target.
• Low Logistics Burden: Requires less storage space and logistical support compared to conventional munitions.
• Environmentally Friendly: Produces no explosive residue or toxic byproducts.
• Integration Capability: Designed to work as part of broader aerial defense systems, complementing existing interceptors like Iron Dome.

Limitations of Laser Weapons (Magen Or)

• Limited Power: Less destructive power compared to traditional kinetic weapons.
• Shorter Effective Range: Maximum effective range is about 10 kilometers, much shorter than systems like Iron Dome (~40 km).
• Weather Dependency: Performance is adversely affected by adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, dust, or smoke.
• Single Target Engagement: Cannot engage multiple targets simultaneously, limiting effectiveness against swarm attacks.
• Line-of-Sight Requirement: Requires a clear line of sight to the target, making it less effective against obscured or indirect threats.