Israeli laser defense system able to intercept drones, missiles in latest test

A powerful laser defense system has for the first time passed a test to intercept drones, missiles and other aerial threats, Israel’s Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

Israel has accelerated the roll-out of the laser-based interceptor as part of a plan to adopt such technology and reduce the high costs currently incurred by shooting down incoming projectiles.

“The laser is a game-changer thanks to its easily operated system and significant economic advantages,” said Brigadier General Yaniv Rotem from the ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development. “Our plan is to station multiple laser transmitters along Israel’s borders throughout the next decade,” he said.

The laser system was able to intercept drones, mortars, rockets and anti-tank missiles in multiple scenarios, the ministry said. The interceptors would use lasers to super-heat incoming drones or the kinds of rockets favored by Iran-backed guerrillas, officials have said Israel says it is developing airborne laser to down drones previously.

Footage of the successful tests, shared by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Twitter, shows the energy-based weapons system firing beams at a rocket, a mortar, and a drone in Israel’s Negev desert.

Bennett tweeted, “Israel has successfully tested the new ‘Iron Beam’ laser interception system. This is the world’s first energy-based weapons system that uses a laser to shoot down incoming UAVs, rockets & mortars at a cost of $3.50 per shot. It may sound like science fiction, but it’s real.”

The Israel Defense Forces are now working to achieve operational status as soon as possible, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said in a statement.