New Israeli airborne laser system promises to intercept missiles faster

Israel’s Elbit Systems has secured a contract to develop aircraft-mountable versions of its XCalibur high-power laser system, designed for jets and helicopters. These airborne lasers aim to intercept drones and missiles more cost-effectively than traditional missile interceptors like the Tamir missiles used in Israel’s Iron Dome, which cost between $40,000 and $100,000 per shot. By using lasers that incur only a few cents per shot, Israel hopes to reverse the current economics of missile defense, making drones and similar threats the more expensive element rather than the interceptors. The airborne laser systems, including a pod for jets and a helicopter variant called “Sting,” offer operational advantages such as functioning above clouds and adverse weather conditions, enabling earlier detection and engagement of threats. This overcomes limitations of ground-based systems that suffer from line-of-sight issues and shorter engagement ranges. However, significant technical challenges remain, including miniaturizing the laser components, managing the substantial heat generated through advanced cooling systems