Israel is advancing the deployment of directed-energy capabilities into the aerial domain, with Elbit Systems developing high-powered laser (HPL) weapons for military aircraft under a newly awarded defense contract. The program includes two configurations: the XCalibur system for fixed-wing platforms and the Sting laser designed for helicopters. By operating at elevated altitudes, these systems can minimize disruption from weather conditions such as humidity, rain, and dust, enabling earlier detection and interception of threats above cloud layers before they reach intended targets.
