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.