Israel Develops Laser Defense System
After decades of expensive experiments, failed projects and fruitless ventures, Israeli defense establishment unveiled its latest revolutionary technological achievement. The Ministry of Defense announced Wednesday it has successfully developed a laser-based air defense system.
The system is meant to intercept aerial threats ranging from as mortar fire, drones, medium range Grad rockets, anti-tank missiles as well as long-range missiles, currently at the disposal of Iran-backed terror groups in Syria and Lebanon.
The system is set to be tested in six months’ time at an undisclosed location in northern Israel. If the interception test is successful, the laser-based system will be dispatched for field use along Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip.
The plan is to extend the laser’s uses and mount its systems on armored vehicles and trucks meant for battlefields in order to protect ground troops in hostile territory. In addition, there are plans to install the system on the Israeli Air Force jets in an effort to start intercepting long range missiles from the above.
“The capabilities we developed are based on electric lasers as opposed to the less reliable, more common chemical laser,” said Oster, “meaning we’ll be able to target and intercept a flying target from a distance of five kilometers (3.1 miles).”
The system’s interception will also be much cheaper than that of the Iron Dome, since it does not require expensive interceptor missiles. “The system basically has endless munition,” said Oster. “The system is also plugged to a power source, so there’s no need to reload regular ordnance.”
For all its innovations, the system does have its downsides, mainly its field of view which is highly dependent on weather conditions since the system relies on optics in order to successfully hit the intended target.
Photos and Video Credit: Defense Ministry
