JERUSALEM — Esh-Tech, a new Israeli defense startup, plans to unveil its DroneLight laser defense system at this year’s Eurosatory exposition, according to its CEO.
Erex Riahi, CEO of Esh-Tech, explained that the company initially focused on countering small drones, recognizing them as a critical threat. He noted that while soft-kill RF solutions evolved, the startup shifted to hard-kill laser technology for its destructive capability.
DroneLight offers a cost-effective alternative to existing laser or microwave systems, using only 4kw of energy—significantly less than Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ LiteBeam, which requires 10kw.
The pulsed laser technology creates multiple holes in drones through rapid energy bursts, enabling efficient destruction without munitions or environmental impact. Riahi emphasized its versatility, noting it works on both plastic and metal materials.
Atmospheric conditions affect laser range, but Esh-Tech claims to optimize targeting within a 0.01-second window, improving effectiveness by up to 100 percent.
The system is designed for mobility, fitting vehicles to protect critical infrastructure without the bulk of traditional defenses. Testing in Israel last year resulted in the destruction of 20 drones, with a full operational system expected by October 2024.
Esh-Tech aims to scale production to hundreds of units annually and seeks customers in the U.S. and Europe, collaborating with Israel’s Ministry of Defense to address military needs.