Esh-Tech, an Israeli defense startup, has developed "DroneLight," a laser-based air defense system designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles. The system aims to deliver higher efficiency and lower operational costs compared to conventional laser solutions. Esh-Tech CEO Erex Riahi emphasized the growing need for directed energy weapons, noting that DroneLight consumes only 4 kW of power, can be integrated into tactical vehicles, and costs three to four times less than existing laser or microwave systems. For comparison, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, a leading Israeli defense firm, operates the LiteBeam laser, which requires 10 kW of power.

DroneLight operates on pulsed laser technology, departing from earlier continuous-wave laser systems. This technology directs energy at high intensity over very short periods, significantly reducing the dwell time required on target. Riahi explained the operational advantage, noting that conventional lasers require 10-15 seconds to burn through a target, whereas DroneLight fires five pulses per second, creating multiple penetrations on a UAV for more efficient neutralization. Additionally, the system operates without ammunition constraints.

The system incorporates an innovative solution to counter the range degradation that adverse weather conditions typically impose on laser weapons. Software that analyzes atmospheric conditions and identifies optimal engagement windows enables DroneLight to detect the most suitable "atmospheric windows" for laser operation at approximately 0.01-second intervals. This capability reportedly increases the laser's effective range by 50 to 100 percent, substantially enhancing performance in operational environments.

Testing conducted by Esh-Tech demonstrated the system's effectiveness, with trials on a platform last year successfully neutralizing 20 drones. The company contends that DroneLight's combination of low power consumption, compact design, and high efficiency represents a potential turning point in modern air defense requirements. The system's ability to integrate into tactical vehicles provides rapid deployment capability and operational flexibility in the field.

Directed energy weapons are receiving increasing attention across the global defense sector. Laser-based air defense systems offer advantages over conventional missile systems, including lower operational costs, unlimited ammunition capacity, and rapid response times. Systems like DroneLight address the growing threat posed by UAVs and armed drones in contemporary security environments, offering militaries an alternative approach to strengthening air defense capabilities.