Rafael CEO: IDF to Receive Laser 'Shield of Light' in 2025

At the Farnborough International Airshow, Rafael Defense Concern CEO Yoav Turgeman announced that the new Light Shield laser missile defense system will be operational with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 2025.

Earlier this year, Rafael Chairman Yuval Steinitz revealed that the Light Shield system had been deployed for the first time in the Gaza Strip during the War of Iron Swords. Steinitz emphasized the significant progress made in the system's development but denied reports of its involvement in missile interception.

The Light Shield system is designed to combat short-range rockets and mortar shells with a low cost per shot, unlike the Iron Dome missile defense system, which costs tens of thousands of dollars per launch. This new system is expected to significantly improve Israel's missile defense capabilities.