The Israel-made laser system, known as an “iron beam”, is designed to complement a range of air defense systems, including the more expensive rocket-intercept. iron Dome,
“It may sound like science-fiction, but it is real,” said Prime Minister Naftali. Bennett, “Iron beam interceptions are silent, they are invisible and they only cost around $3.50,” he said.
Israel has successfully tested the new “Iron Beam” laser interception system. This is the world’s first energy-base… https://t.co/hlhcrTJdce
— Naftali Bennett (@naftalibennett) 1649958312000
Little is known about the effectiveness of the laser system, but it is expected to be deployed on land, in the air and at sea. The goal is to deploy laser systems around Israel’s borders over the next decade to protect the country from attacks.
Thursday’s announcement also sent a message to Israel’s enemies, including arch-enemies Iran, The tests took place last month in the Negev desert.
The announcement came close to the anniversary of the 11-day Israel-Gaza War, in which Gaza’s ruling Hamas terrorist group fired more than 4,000 rockets toward Israel.
Israel said its Iron Dome defense system has been a huge success, with a 90% intercept rate against incoming rocket fire. But officials say the system is expensive to deploy. Bennett has said that someone in Gaza can fire a rocket towards Israel for a few hundred dollars, but it costs tens of thousands of dollars to stop the Iron Dome.
Ministry of Defence released a short video showing what the new system called the successful interception of rockets, mortars and an unmanned aerial vehicle. The video, which was heavily edited and set to music, showed a laser beam emerging from a ground station, hitting targets and breaking them into small pieces.
Bennett said in February that Israel would start using the system within a year.
Israel has already developed or deployed a range of systems to intercept everything from long-range missiles to rockets launched from a few kilometers (miles) away. It has also outfitted its tanks with missile-defense systems.
Negotiations with world powers to restore Iran’s broken nuclear deal have stalled. Israel opposes the deal, saying it is not enough to curb Iran’s nuclear program or its military activities throughout the region, and Israeli officials have said they will unilaterally do what is necessary to defend the country. .
watch Iron Beam: Israel successfully test-fires new laser missile that costs just $3.5 per shot. is