Esh-Tech Raises $18M for Counter-Drone Laser

Omer-based defense-tech startup Esh-Tech raised $18 million led by Kinetica Partners to move its DroneLight pulsed-laser counter-drone system toward large-scale production. Jerusalem Post reports the funding is backed by investors including Mahari, Renaton Capital, Q Fund, 2i Ventures, Hinkley, FFG and the Israel Innovation Authority, and follows successful operational testing under real-world conditions. With Hezbollah drones straining northern defenses, the round strengthens Israel's push for cheaper, domestic interception layers.