Israeli startup Esh-Tech has introduced a new laser-based air defense system to address the growing threat of drone swarms on battlefields. The company’s new weapon, DroneLight, uses pulsed lasers and claims it can destroy over 30 drones in a minute, giving military forces a fast way to respond to large-scale aerial attacks.
This announcement comes at a time when militaries around the world are looking for new ways to stop the rising use of cheap drones that can be launched in large groups. These attacks can strain traditional air defense systems, which usually depend on expensive interceptors and have limited ammunition.
Most laser weapons need to keep a steady beam on a target for several seconds, but works differently. It fires quick bursts of focused laser energy at drones as they approach.
According to Esh-Tech, once a drone is struck, additional pulses are delivered until the aircraft is disabled. This method allows the weapon to move quickly from one target to another, increasing the number of threats it can engage within a short period.
The company stated that DroneLight can take down a single drone in just one to two seconds. This speed is especially useful during swarm attacks, when many drones might come from different directions at once.
DroneLight is meant for short-range air defense. Esh-Tech claims it can hit targets up to 0.6 miles, or 1 kilometer, away. The system can also link to radar, sound detection, and optical sensors to help find and track incoming drones.
A key feature of DroneLight is that it uses less energy than many other laser systems. Esh-Tech says it needs about 4 kilowatts of power, which is much lower than most high-energy lasers being developed or used today.
Because it consumes less power, DroneLight can be added to a wider range of military vehicles and platforms. Systems with lower energy requirements typically require less support gear and are easier to install on mobile units.
As armies focus more on moving quickly in battle, lower-energy systems like DroneLight could give frontline units better protection while they are on the move.
Esh-Tech has already shown DroneLight mounted on a tracked armored vehicle, showing how it could be used for mobile defense. The company is also looking at other ways to set up the system for different needs.
The pulsed-laser design was designed to help the system respond more quickly to many fast-moving aerial targets. This focus shows that military planners are increasingly worried about drone swarms, which can overwhelm defenses by sheer numbers.
“DroneLight was developed in order to improve the readiness and effectiveness of forces in the face of the drone threat,” said Esh-Tech Chief Executive Officer Erez Riahi, as quoted by The Jerusalem Post.
Esh-Tech believes the combination of rapid engagement capability and lower operating requirements could make the technology suitable for wider military use.
“The combination of high power, low energy consumption, and low cost makes possible wide deployment of protection systems not just for strategic sites but also for troops moving in the field.”
According to the company, the first DroneLight system should be ready for service by September 2026.
A versatile writer, Sujita has worked with Mashable Middle East and News Daily 24. When she isn't writing, you can find her glued to the latest web series and movies.
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