Israel is preparing a laser shield — in five years, Iran's missiles will burn up in the sky

Lasers instead of missiles: cheap protection against cheap threats

Michael Edelstein of Elbit Systems said that Israel's laser systems will be ready for full-scale use in less than five years. Already, on-board laser installations for fighter jets are in the final stages of development. And the Rafael Iron Beam ground-based system has passed real combat tests and will soon enter service with the Israel Defense Forces.

The bottom line is simple: instead of spending millions on interceptor missiles, shoot down cheap missiles and drones with a laser for pennies.

Iron Beam is already working — and it hits exactly

The Iron Beam is not a prototype. It has already been used in conditions close to combat, and has shown high efficiency. The system is capable of intercepting missiles, artillery shells and drones at short ranges. Unlike the Iron Dome, which spends $50-100 thousand per interception, the laser costs only a few dollars per shot.

It works according to the principle: aimed — turned on — burned. And it can work continuously as long as there is electricity.

Onboard lasers for fighter jets are already in development

Elbit is currently completing the creation of compact laser installations that can be installed directly on fighter jets, for example, on the F-16 or future F-35I. This will allow the aircraft to defend against surface–to-air missiles and even attack ground targets.

Imagine: a fighter is flying, sees MANPADS, and destroys it with one pulse. No rocket launch, no noise, no smoke. Just a light, and the target disappears.

Why does this change everything

Israel is currently spending billions on missile defense, but the threat is growing: Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas are all actively using missiles and drones. Lasers are not just a new weapon, they are a change in the defense economy.

One Iron Beam will be able to intercept hundreds of targets per day. And a network of such systems will make the country virtually invulnerable to massive attacks. And most importantly, it costs many times less than current systems.

Sources

1. Rossiyskaya Gazeta — how Israel plans to use lasers to destroy incoming missiles
2. Lenta.ru — Israel to field Iron Beam laser; contract details & performance
3. Building-Tech.org — Iron Beam laser shield for intercepting & destroying air threats
4. Wikipedia — Iron Beam mine & drone interception laser weapon
5. Lechaim.ru (via Ynetnews) — first combat intercept of Hezbollah drones with Iron Beam
6. Aurora Israel — world-first operational Iron Beam intercept, Israel’s technological milestone

Israel attracts 130,000 reservists for military operation in Gaza

Large-scale recruitment of IDF reservists

Senior representatives of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced plans to involve about 130,000 reservists in a military operation to capture Gaza City. The first wave of 40,000-50,000 people will begin service on September 2.

It is expected that active hostilities in the region will continue until 2026, which indicates the scale and duration of the planned operation.

The involvement of such large reserve forces reflects the seriousness of Israel's intentions to strengthen control over Gaza and ensure the fulfillment of military tasks in a high-intensity conflict.

The Israel Defense Forces is testing an upgraded JLTV for long-range operational missions

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is conducting a series of tests of the advanced Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) armored vehicle, adapted to perform long-range operational tasks outside traditional conflict zones. During the recent exercises, scenarios were worked out in which the JLTV is transported both by air, using heavy transport aircraft, and by sea in preparation for possible operations in remote regions. These tests reflect a strategic shift: JLTV, originally designed for local tactical tasks and anti-bombing, is now considered a mobile platform for deep raids and expeditionary operations. The military assesses its endurance, compatibility with long-range communication and navigation systems, as well as its ability to support autonomous groups in conditions of limited logistical support. Special attention is paid to the integration of the machine into interspecific operations, including interaction with the Air Force and naval forces. Successful completion of the tests can lead to an expansion of the role of JLTV in the AOI structure — from tactical transport to a universal means of rapid response at the strategic level.

The Israel Defense Forces uses drones to protect economic waters and strategic facilities

 

Blue Whale unmanned submarine

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is actively implementing unmanned aerial vehicles and underwater vehicles to monitor and analyze maritime threats in the country's exclusive economic zone. For the first time in recent weeks, the Israeli Navy has deployed unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) capable of creating a wide sea picture and tracking vessel movements in Israel's economic waters.

These drones collect and document data that is used to analyze threats and make decisions on the deployment of forces in the maritime theater of operations. Special attention is paid to the protection of strategically important facilities such as Israel's gas rigs, which are vital to the country's energy security.

The underwater unmanned vehicles developed by leading Israeli companies are equipped with modern navigation and reconnaissance equipment, which makes it possible to effectively monitor underwater space and identify potential threats, including hostile submarines and minefields. Israeli technologies in the field of UUV are recognized as one of the most advanced in the world, which is confirmed by the interest and cooperation with other countries, for example, Germany.

The use of unmanned systems significantly expands the capabilities of the Israeli Navy, reducing risks for personnel and increasing the effectiveness of maritime border protection. In the context of growing instability in the region and increasing maritime threats, such innovative solutions are becoming key elements of national security.

Thus, the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles and underwater vehicles into Israel's defense structure demonstrates the country's commitment to technological leadership and ensures reliable protection of important economic and strategic interests at sea.

Possible cooperation between Israeli and Syrian forces in southern Syria: new signs and context

 

Recent events in southern Syria have once again raised the question of possible cooperation between Israeli and Syrian security forces. On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced an operation in the area of the Tasil dam in the rural area of Daraa in southwestern Syria. The purpose of the operation was to confiscate weapons and destroy the terrorist infrastructure in the region. However, the discovery of an IDF jeep in the area has raised speculation about more active cooperation between Israeli and Syrian government forces or Shin Bet forces.

One of the key local leaders leading the dissent in the area is Ahmed al-Odeh, a radical Islamist who has been involved in clashes with the forces of the new Syrian administration. This indicates that tensions between loyal and disloyal groups continue in the region, and Israeli forces may be involved in these processes.

Historically, Israel and Syria have had opposing interests in the region for a long time. However, the situation has changed in recent years. In the past, there have been cases of cooperation between Israeli security agencies and some armed groups in Syria. For example, earlier it was reported about contacts between the Israeli special services and the Jabhat al-Nusra group, the former offshoot of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) of the Al-Sharaa group. This indicates that Israeli forces may be working with certain groups in Syria to achieve their strategic goals.

Possible cooperation between Israeli and Syrian forces in the Daraa region may be driven by common interests in fighting terrorist groups and ensuring stability on the border. However, such assumptions are causing concern on the part of the international community, as they could exacerbate tensions in the region and disrupt the fragile truce.

Overall, the situation in southern Syria remains complex and ambiguous. The actions of the Israeli and Syrian forces in the region require careful analysis and monitoring to prevent an escalation of the conflict and ensure the safety of all parties.

Israel Successfully Tests Gabriel 5: The World's Most Advanced Maritime Strike System

 

In a significant milestone for its naval capabilities, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has successfully tested what officials describe as "the world's most advanced maritime strike system" — the Gabriel 5 sea-to-sea missile. This cutting-edge weapon, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), represents a major leap forward in naval warfare technology and underscores Israel's commitment to maintaining its strategic edge over potential adversaries.

The test, conducted off the coast of Israel, saw the Gabriel 5 missile striking a simulated enemy vessel with remarkable precision. According to IDF officials, the missile performed flawlessly, showcasing its ability to operate under various conditions while demonstrating unmatched accuracy and reliability. The successful trial not only validates the technological prowess behind the Gabriel 5 but also reinforces Israel's position as a global leader in defense innovation.

"The Gabriel 5 is more than just another missile; it is a game-changer in modern naval warfare," said an Israeli Navy spokesperson. "This advanced system enhances our operational capabilities, allowing us to neutralize threats at extended ranges and ensure dominance on the high seas."

Designed to meet the evolving challenges of contemporary naval combat, the Gabriel 5 incorporates state-of-the-art technologies that set it apart from existing systems:

1. Extended Range: With a range exceeding previous iterations of the Gabriel series, the new missile allows the Israeli Navy to engage targets far beyond the horizon, ensuring safety and effectiveness even in contested environments. 

2. Advanced Guidance Systems: Equipped with sophisticated sensors and real-time data processing capabilities, the Gabriel 5 can identify and track moving vessels with pinpoint accuracy, adapting mid-flight if necessary to counter evasive maneuvers.

3. Stealth Technology: To minimize detection, the missile employs stealth features that reduce its radar signature, making it difficult for adversaries to intercept or defend against.

4. Versatility: The Gabriel 5 can be launched from a variety of platforms, including surface ships and submarines, providing flexibility in deployment scenarios.

For Israel, the development and deployment of the Gabriel 5 are part of a broader strategy to bolster national security and deter regional threats. In recent years, tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean have intensified due to increased maritime activity by hostile actors. By equipping its navy with such a formidable weapon, Israel aims to project power, protect vital shipping lanes, and safeguard offshore energy resources.

Moreover, the Gabriel 5 serves as a deterrent against potential aggression from Iran and its proxies, who have been expanding their naval presence in the region. Its introduction into service will provide the Israeli Navy with a decisive operational advantage, enabling it to respond swiftly and effectively to any threat.

While primarily designed for domestic use, the Gabriel 5 may also attract international interest. Israel has long been a prominent exporter of defense technologies, and the success of this missile could open doors for sales to allied nations seeking to enhance their own naval capabilities. Countries facing similar maritime challenges would likely view the Gabriel 5 as a valuable asset in securing their waters.

The successful testing of the Gabriel 5 marks a pivotal moment for the Israeli Navy and the country's defense sector. As geopolitical dynamics continue to shift, particularly in the Middle East, possessing superior naval strike capabilities becomes increasingly critical. By investing in innovations like the Gabriel 5, Israel ensures it remains at the forefront of maritime defense, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. 

With this latest achievement, Israel once again demonstrates its unwavering dedication to protecting its sovereignty and advancing global defense technology standards.