New High-Energy Lite Beam Laser from Rafael to Neutralize Drone Swarms and IEDs.

Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has announced the deployment of the latest version of its high-energy laser weapon system, LITE BEAM, at the 2024 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) event in Washington, D.C. Designed for the rapid and precise neutralization of aerial threats, including drone swarms, LITE BEAM represents a significant step forward in precision defense. This 10 kW laser system is intended to enhance the protection of forces in mobile ground operations, combining efficiency with cost-effective usage.

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Suitable for light vehicles, LITE BEAM can be deployed across varied operational zones, allowing it to counter a broad range of threats, from drones and rockets to mortar shells (Picture source: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems)

LITE BEAM is part of Rafael’s strategy to expand the application of directed-energy weapons for countering a variety of air and ground threats. This mobile model is an adaptation of Rafael’s Iron Beam system, a 100 kW fixed laser capable of destroying targets at several kilometers' distance.

Suitable for light vehicles, LITE BEAM can be deployed across varied operational zones, allowing it to counter a broad range of threats, from drones and rockets to mortar shells. Additionally, the system can neutralize identified improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other terrestrial threats, increasing its versatility on the battlefield.

The new version of LITE BEAM, showcased at AUSA 2024, features an upgraded power capacity of 10 kW, up from the previous 7.5 kW, bringing it in line with comparable systems such as the Jupiter from MBDA and Rheinmetall. With an effective range of several hundred meters to about 2,000 meters, LITE BEAM is distinguished by its ability to precisely track targets through an advanced tracking system, which can also be integrated into other counter-drone systems (C-UAV).

Its modularity allows for installation on various platforms, including armored vehicles, ships, and fixed ground platforms. In terms of power supply, LITE BEAM is flexible, as it can be powered by either diesel generators or batteries depending on operational needs.

High-energy laser technology is advancing rapidly, with other international players, including MBDA, Rheinmetall, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon, also developing 10 kW solutions. Among these, Lockheed Martin's ATHENA system allows for combining multiple lasers to reach a power output of 30 kW, while Raytheon’s HELWS is designed for extreme mobility, mountable on a simple pickup truck.

Although still in early stages of development with many systems in research or testing, this technology offers promising potential for future defense applications. LITE BEAM’s capability to provide rapid, precise laser defense in a mobile format highlights Rafael's advancements in this field, positioning it as a potentially strategic tool for countering emerging threats.