OMER, Israel — June 03, 2026 : Israeli defense technology company Esh-Tech has unveiled DroneLight, a new laser-based counter-drone system designed to neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) while consuming significantly less power than conventional directed-energy weapons. The system is scheduled to make its public debut at the Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition in Paris from June 15 to 19.
According to the company, DroneLight is currently undergoing customer evaluations in several international markets and is intended to provide a lower-cost alternative to existing laser air defense systems. Esh-Tech estimates the system could reduce the acquisition cost of laser effectors by up to 75 percent compared with traditional continuous-wave (CW) laser technologies.
Pulsed-Laser Interception Method
Unlike conventional military laser systems that rely on continuous energy beams to heat and destroy targets, DroneLight employs a pulsed-laser architecture that removes material through rapid ablation. The system fires high-intensity laser pulses lasting 10 milliseconds each at a pulse repetition frequency of 5 Hz.
This approach allows DroneLight to operate using approximately 4 kilowatts of power, enabling integration with standard military vehicle electrical systems without the need for dedicated generators. By comparison, many fielded military laser systems require between 20 and 60 kilowatts of power.
According to Esh-Tech, the laser can disable drones within one to two seconds by penetrating critical components such as batteries, electronic systems, or cameras. Testing conducted on more than 20 drones showed that creating multiple perforations in vital areas was sufficient to achieve a near-certain kill probability.
The company stated that the system directs hundreds of small laser beams toward a target. Once a vulnerable point is identified, additional beams focus on the same location to accelerate target neutralization.
Countering Drone Swarm Threats
DroneLight is designed to engage up to 30 drones per minute, providing a potential defense against drone swarm attacks that have become an increasing concern in modern conflicts.
As military forces seek cost-effective methods of countering large numbers of UAVs, directed-energy systems are attracting growing interest due to their low cost per engagement and virtually unlimited magazine depth when sufficient power is available.
AI-Enhanced Target Engagement
The system incorporates an artificial intelligence-based atmospheric monitoring capability to improve laser effectiveness under changing environmental conditions.
A 300 mm optical aperture and a high-speed camera operating at 1,000 frames per second continuously analyze the atmosphere between the laser emitter and the target. The AI software can delay firing by 50 to 60 milliseconds to exploit more favorable atmospheric conditions, a feature that Esh-Tech says can improve performance by up to 50 percent.
DroneLight's tracking system can move at speeds of up to 120 degrees per second in both azimuth and elevation, enabling engagement of fast-moving aerial targets.
Mobile Design and Urban Operations
Although not man-portable, DroneLight has been designed for tactical mobility. The system's optical head weighs approximately 450 kilograms, while a separate support module weighs around 350 kilograms and can be installed inside a vehicle. Esh-Tech is expected to display the system mounted on an FFG armored tracked vehicle at Eurosatory 2026.
The system provides 360-degree coverage and creates a defensive zone with a radius of approximately one kilometer.
Esh-Tech also highlighted DroneLight's suitability for urban environments. The narrow beam path, absence of side lobes, and short engagement time are intended to reduce collateral risks during operations in populated areas.
Planned Deployment
Esh-Tech CEO Erez Riahi said the combination of low power requirements, reduced costs, and effective hard-kill capability could allow armed forces to deploy laser-based protection more broadly at the tactical level.
The company has received three grants from the Israel Innovation Authority and expects to field its first operational DroneLight system by September 2026. Esh-Tech has also reported receiving orders from multiple customers worldwide and is exploring future applications for naval platforms in addition to ground-based deployments.
——— End of Article ———
