The IAI has already demonstrated airborne laser firing from a test aircraft in cooperation with MAFAT, achieving successful interceptions of UAVs at operationally relevant ranges.

By Hezy Laing

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), working closely with the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (MAFAT) and the Israeli Air Force (IAF), is accelerating development of airborne high‑energy laser systems that officials say will be operational on helicopters within two years.

The timeline was publicly confirmed by the former head of the IAF’s Force Buildup and Weapons Systems Department, who stated that “lasers on helicopters could arrive within two years” and that the technology is already in advanced testing phases.

The program builds on Israel’s ground‑based Iron Beam system, developed jointly by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the Ministry of Defense.

Iron Beam successfully intercepted rockets, mortars, and UAVs in tests beginning in 2021, using a 100‑kW class laser.

The airborne version, however, is being developed primarily by IAI’s ELTA division, which specializes in electro‑optics, airborne sensors, and directed‑energy integration.

Airborne lasers require major engineering adaptations.

Helicopters such as the AH‑64 Apache and UH‑60 Yanshuf must accommodate stabilized laser turrets, high‑capacity thermal management systems, and compact power modules capable of sustaining multi‑second laser dwell times.

According to defense officials, IAI has already demonstrated airborne laser firing from a test aircraft in cooperation with MAFAT, achieving successful interceptions of UAVs at operationally relevant ranges.

The IAF has been deeply involved in defining requirements, saying he “personally visited Elbit dozens of times” to refine specifications for both helicopter‑mounted and fighter‑mounted lasers.

While Elbit Systems leads some airborne laser subsystems, IAI is responsible for platform integration, avionics, and sensor fusion.

The urgency stems from the rapid proliferation of FPV explosive drones, Iranian‑made Shahed‑136 loitering munitions, and low‑cost quadcopters used by Hezbollah and Hamas.

Traditional interceptors such as Tamir (Iron Dome) and Stunner (David’s Sling) cost tens of thousands of dollars per shot, while drones can cost under $500.

Laser weapons promise near‑zero cost per interception and unlimited magazines, constrained only by electrical power.

If the schedule holds, Israel will become the first country in the world to field operational airborne laser interceptors, fundamentally reshaping short‑range air defense and giving the IAF a new tool against drones, rockets, and potentially cruise missiles.