Technology

100,000-Watt Iron Beam laser becomes world’s first drone defense zapper to be operationally deployed — it can also shoot down rockets, mortars, and other aerial threats

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Dec 30, 2025

TL;DR

AI Generated

Israel deployed the world's first 100,000-Watt Iron Beam laser defense system, designed to intercept drones, rockets, mortars, and other aerial threats. The Iron Beam complements Israel's existing defense systems and boasts a unique electro-optical targeting system for enhanced precision. Developed through a collaboration of government, military, scientific, and commercial entities, the Iron Beam is cost-effective and efficient in intercepting various targets. This deployment marks a significant advancement in high-energy laser defense technology, crucial in the current landscape of drone warfare.

Read Full Article

Pentagon budget documents reveal it's pursuing containerized 300kW+ laser weapons, ambitious Joint Laser Weapon System designed to shoot down cruise missiles — system part of $17.9 billion Golden Dome missile-defense initiative

The Pentagon is accelerating the development of a Joint Laser Weapon System (JLWS) to shoot down cruise missiles, part of the $17.9 billion Golden Dome missile-defense initiative. The system aims to integrate high-energy laser subsystems for testing in naval environments, with a focus on cruise missile defense. The Pentagon is pursuing a containerized laser architecture capable of scaling beyond 300 kilowatts, a significant escalation in power. The JLWS initiative reflects the military's growing emphasis on directed-energy systems and could lead to a fully functional weapon system in the near future.

Tom's Hardware•

8 hours ago

With $1 Cyberattacks on the Rise, Durable Defenses Pay Off

As cyberattacks that cost as little as $1 become more prevalent, the importance of robust cybersecurity defenses is highlighted. The article emphasizes the significance of writing memory-safe code over relying solely on patching vulnerabilities. Experts Evan Johnson and Justin Cappos from New York University stress the need for durable defenses in the face of rapid and powerful cyberattacks facilitated by large language models like Anthropic’s Claude Mythos. They suggest that a comprehensive approach beyond generative AI is essential for effective cyberdefense.

IEEE Spectrum•

1 day ago

US Navy tests laser weapon that shoots down drones on the USS George H.W. Bush supercarrier — ‘system tracked, engaged, and neutralized multiple target drones,’ has essentially unlimited power source

The US Navy tested a laser weapon system called LOCUST on the USS George H.W. Bush supercarrier, successfully tracking, engaging, and neutralizing multiple target drones. The system, developed by AeroVironment, has an essentially unlimited power source and can be easily deployed on ships without costly modifications. The VP of Directed Energy Systems at AV described the system as a game-changer for national security. The deployment of advanced anti-drone laser weaponry on naval vessels provides enhanced protection against emerging drone threats.

Tom's Hardware•

6 days ago

3DPrint.com

ARC & ORNL Form Partnership to Accelerate AI-Enabled Manufacturing for Defense

The article discusses a new partnership between the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute (ARM) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to advance AI-enabled manufacturing for defense applications. The collaboration aims to leverage AI technologies to enhance manufacturing processes, improve product quality, and increase efficiency in defense-related industries. By combining ARM's expertise in robotics with ORNL's capabilities in AI and manufacturing, the partnership seeks to drive innovation and accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing techniques in the defense sector.

3DPrint.com•

1 week ago