Drones cause a requirement for new defense.

Israel plans to install laser weapons in its helicopters and aircraft. Those systems can be used to fight against the drone threat. The laser weapon does not require ammunition, and theoretically, its ammunition capacity is unlimited. The laser weapon. That hovers above the ground. In. A helicopter or aircraft can be used against low-flying drones, other aircraft, or incoming missiles. This means the jet fighter can destroy missiles that are shot at it. 

Laser and microwave beams are things. That. It can also be used against things like enemy electric supply or vehicles. In some visions, the jet fighter radars can be used to give high-power microwave impulses against their targets. This makes enemy fighters harder to operate. 

The laser systems. Those that are used against the drones can use AI-based technology to complete their missions. The laser system. It can use similar technology. That is used in laser-based bug traps. That kills things like flies from the room. The system that destroys drones. It uses a high-energy beam. Like 10-100 kW systems. 

The requirement for the new systems in drone defense. It is urgent. The drone, even if it doesn’t use AI, is. A very big threat. The AI-based systems make drones make evasion movements. But. In all cases, there is a danger that the defender runs out of ammunition. The defender uses $4-5 million Patriot missiles against drones. That costs about $20000-60000 per unit. The problem is those HESA Shahed drones. 

They can also carry chemical and biological warheads. Or maybe also armour penetration warheads. This means that the defender. It cannot let any of those drones pass the defense. The problem is that those drones can be launched thousands against targets. Those systems can be dangerous. Especially if they hit things like electric supply systems. 

https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2026/03/18/israel-to-mount-lasers-on-fighter-jets-and-helicopters/

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/09/09/israels-rafael-touts-iron-beam-antimissile-lasers-at-dsei-fair/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Beam