Israel announces breakthrough in missile-intercepting laser technology development
The Israeli military has made a technological breakthrough in the development of a new laser weapon to intercept and shoot down incoming missiles and drones, the officials announced.
New laser technology “makes the security apparatus more lethal, more powerful and more advanced,” Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said.
Israel’s government termed it “a breakthrough” in the futuristic technology and is expecting to begin demonstrating its use later this year. “Throughout the year 2020 we will conduct a demo of our capabilities,” the ministry said. If it passes the testing stage, the “laser sword” is expected to be deployed at the end of this year.
“The new laser project will turn Israel‘s defense into deadlier and more advanced,” said Defense Minister Naftali Bennett. “It’s a clear message to our enemies, our capabilities are vast.”
“We are entering a new age of energy warfare in the air, land and sea,” Brig. Gen. Yaniv Rotem, the head of the Directorate said.
The ministry has collaborated with government-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems as well as academic institutions to develop the powerful laser technology.
The Israeli defense ministry has been working on the laser technology for more than 10 years to intercept a variety of threats, he said. Over the years, the system has carried out a number of successful interceptions of targets, including mortar shells, drones and antitank missiles, at a variety of ranges.
The new laser system is expected to complement the country’s existing active defense systems, such as the Arrow, Patriot and the Iron Dome.
“This is a weapon that you can’t see or hear,” Rotem said, adding that the system runs on electricity and is cost-effective as compared to interceptor missiles.“As long as you have electricity, you have a never-ending supply.”
The major downside is that the system is highly dependent on weather conditions as it relies on optics to successfully hit the target which means it may not function properly in times of low visibility or cloud cover. “We can only shoot down with a laser what we can see,” Rotem said.
