From: The Jerusalem Post May 30, 2025
Israel’s billion-dollar laser weapon could dominate global defense — or be killed by politics:

Israel’s laser weapons debut in combat as NATO eyes next-gen defenses.
Low-cost, battlefield-proven tech but geopolitics may block export deals.

The Defense Ministry’s confirmation that Rafael’s laser interception systems were used during the ongoing Swords of Iron war comes at a pivotal moment.

NATO countries are preparing to raise their defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) a shift expected to generate some €800 billion in procurement.

With Israeli companies Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems already embedded in NATO supply chains, their next-generation laser systems could become Israel’s next multi-billion-dollar defense export — if diplomatic friction doesn’t block the path.

Despite more than 10,000 successful interceptions since 2011 Israel’s Iron Dome air-defense system, developed by Rafael has never been sold as a full system to any foreign country.

While the United Kingdom purchased its battle management center and the United States Marine Corps acquired its interceptors, no nation to date has received the complete platform.

This contrasts with the international success of other Israeli air-defense systems.
1. The Arrow 3, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) was sold to Germany in a $3.5 billion deal.
2. David’s Sling, another Rafael system, was sold to Finland for €317 million.

Rafael’s Barak MX system has racked up roughly $10 billion in global sales.
Despite Iron Dome’s strong brand recognition, it has lagged behind these systems in terms of foreign adoption.

Meanwhile, other Israeli-made weapons have already become NATO standards.
Rafael’s Spike anti-tank guided missiles have been sold in the billions of dollars and are produced in Germany, with previous manufacturing in Poland.

In recent years, Elbit’s PULS rocket artillery system has gained momentum, with confirmed sales to Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark, alongside several undisclosed NATO members.

Ukraine’s successful use of comparable systems against Russian targets has only added to the demand.