Israel accelerates the race for anti-drone weapons: Elbit is working on laser systems against Hezbollah

The Israeli group Elbit Systems is developing new equipment to counter the explosive drones used by Hezbollah in Lebanon, its CEO Bezhalel Machlis said Tuesday. Among the technologies being studied are directed-energy defense systems, including laser weapons.

According to the head of Israel's leading defense group, the company is working closely with the Israeli Ministry of Defense to quickly find a response to the growing threat posed by kamikaze drones. These inexpensive and relatively simple-to-assemble devices are increasingly being used in modern conflicts.

Since the ceasefire of April 16, Israel and Hezbollah have continued to exchange airstrikes in southern Lebanon. The Iranian-backed movement has notably used explosive drones targeting Israeli positions, some of which have resulted in the deaths of Israeli soldiers, according to authorities.

These drones pose a particular challenge to traditional air defense systems. Their small size, low cost, and ability to circumvent certain jamming devices complicate their interception, a phenomenon also observed in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised this week to intensify operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, without, however, detailing the measures planned to effectively neutralize the drones used by the Shiite movement.

In an interview with Reuters, Bezhalel Machlis explained that Elbit was actively exploring several technological solutions, including "energy weapons" such as lasers. He also indicated that other systems were being studied to address this emerging threat.

These statements come as Elbit Systems released sharply higher financial results for the first quarter. Following this announcement, the group's stock, listed on the Nasdaq, rose by approximately 8% in early trading.