The Israel Defense Forces will launch its first laser interception system “in about a year,” Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told a conference of the Institute for National Security Studies on Tuesday, adding that the system will first be in an experimental phase and later become operational.
“First in the south and then elsewhere. This will allow us, in the medium to long term, to surround Israel with a laser wall that protects us from missiles, rockets, UAVs and other threats. In fact, it will take away the strongest card the enemy has against us,” he stated.
In January 2020, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced that it had been developing laser systems for the interception of Rockets, Artillery and Mortar (RAM) threats, UAVs and anti-tank guided missiles, together with defense companies Rafael Advanced Systems and Elbit Systems.
The ministry described a technological breakthrough in electric-sourced laser beams that created a new level of precision.
“Using the new technology, the defense establishment has succeeded in precisely focusing the beam on long-range targets, including overcoming atmospheric disturbances. This technology enables the development of highly effective operational systems that will serve as an additional layer of defense to secure the State of Israel by air, land and sea,” added the Ministry.
Three laser programs are currently under development: A ground-based laser to compliment Iron Dome air-defense capabilities, an airborne defense system that can be installed on UAVs and a mobile ground laser system to defend military personnel during maneuvers.
