Despite billions of shekels invested in its development, Rafael’s advanced “Or Eitan” laser defense system remains non-operational in the IDF, approximately six months after the first system was delivered.

A senior defense official said that only one system has been transferred to the IDF so far, and it has yet to complete the process required to become operational.

Expectations for Or Eitan have been high because of its potential to dramatically reduce the cost of intercepting aerial threats. The system is designed to engage non-ballistic missiles, drones, mortars and UAVs at ranges of up to approximately 10 kilometers.

Unlike conventional missile interceptors that can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more, an interception using the laser is expected to cost only a few shekels.

However, six months after receiving the first system, the IDF has yet to take delivery of additional units, and officials have not publicly identified the primary reason for the delay.

Rafael officials said adjustments must be completed before Or Eitan can enter operational service. The delay comes despite comments approximately four months ago from Rafael chairman Yuval Steinitz, who estimated that completing the process would take only several days.

The slow deployment has generated disappointment given the technological achievement represented by the system, which has been described as a major global breakthrough in laser-based defense technology.

Once operational, Or Eitan is expected to serve as another layer in Israel’s air-defense network alongside systems such as Iron Dome. One possible factor behind the slow procurement of additional units is the budget pressure currently facing Israel’s Defense Ministry.

While each laser interception costs only a few shekels, the systems themselves are expensive, and nationwide coverage would require the deployment of a significant number of units.

Despite the delays, Rafael continues manufacturing systems for the IDF while expanding its work on laser technology, which the company views as a major component of future weapons systems.

Rafael is also developing additional technologies to counter drones as the Defense Ministry invests heavily in solutions to the growing UAV threat. Or Eitan is expected to ultimately operate as one of several systems tasked with countering such threats.

The company is simultaneously advancing development of an interceptor designed to counter hypersonic missiles amid concerns that Iran could employ such weapons in future conflicts. Hypersonic weapons are particularly difficult to intercept because of their extreme speed and ability to maneuver and evade detection.

Rafael is also working on next-generation naval defenses, including what a senior company official described as a “naval Iron Dome” concept involving technology capable of intercepting incoming torpedoes.

In the space sector, Rafael is focusing on the development of micro- and nano-satellites as it continues expanding its portfolio of next-generation defense technologies.

The developments come as Rafael reports strong international demand for its weapons and defense systems. Exports accounted for 63% of the company’s sales in 2025, when total sales reached NIS 21.7 billion, an increase of 10%.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)