April 15, 2022
1 min read

Israel successfully completes first tests of laser-based air defence system

Israel has successfully completed the first tests of a new laser-based system designed to intercept drones, missiles and other aerial threats, Israel’s Defence Ministry has said…reports Asian Lite News

In the first-phase tests, the system was able, for the first time, to intercept drones, mortars, rockets, and anti-tank missiles, the Defence Ministry added on Thursday in a statement.

“The program aims to develop a high-power ground and aerial laser system equipped to deal with long-range, high-intensity threats,” it said.

The development of the system has been led by the Defence Ministry’s Research and Development Division, Rafael Advanced Defence Systems and Elbit Systems, two Israeli weapons and security companies, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the Ministry, following the tests, Israel became “one of the first countries in the world to successfully develop high-power laser technology at an operational standard with operational interception capabilities.”

“Today marks the first time that a high-power, Israeli-made laser system successfully intercepted various targets, constituting a breakthrough on a global scale,” Defence Minister Benny Gantz wrote on Twitter.

Israel’s goal is to develop “an efficient, inexpensive, and innovative” system and to bring it to operational status “as soon as possible,” Gantz added.

ALSO READ: Iranian Commander says serious response to any Israeli ‘aggression’

Yaniv Rotem, Head of the Defence Ministry’s Research and Development Division, said in a statement that the laser “is a game-changer thanks to its easily operated system and significant economic advantages.”

“The next step is to continue the development and initial system deployment within Israel,” he said, adding that the Ministry plans to station multiple laser transmitters along Israel’s borders over the next decade.

The Ministry said the laser system has been developed as “an effective and economically efficient addition” to the country’s multi-tiered air defence array, which includes the short-range anti-rocket Iron Dome system; David’s Sling, a medium to long-range missiles defence system; and the long-range Arrow-3.

Previous Story

RSS hospital only for Hindus? Ratan Tata once asked Gadkari

Next Story

India, Indonesia agree on greater maritime cooperation in Indo-Pacific

Latest from Arab News

US flag returns to Damascus

Billions in energy deals and lifted sanctions mark Syria’s reintegration, as US reopens embassy and declares the war-torn nation “open for business” under new regional partnerships. The United States has reopened its

Turkey’s Jet Roars, West Watches

It is visible that Turkey is intentionally reducing reliance on U.S. and Western military imports, especially F-16s and the failed F-35 partnership, to achieve strategic independence….writes Ankit V In 2016, Ankara announced

‘Op Sindoor’ Team Wraps Up Saudi Visit

The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Saudi Arabia in the fight against terrorism….reports Asian Lite News Riyadh, May 30 (IANS) The Indian all-party delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant

White House: Israel OKs Gaza Truce

Hamas said Thursday that its leadership had received a new Gaza ceasefire proposal from Witkoff through the mediators and was studying it…reports Asian Lite News The White House said that Israel has

Saudi backs India’s strategic outreach

In a series of engagements, the Indian delegation met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State Adel Al-Jubeir and other senior officials. A high-profile Indian all-party parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Manoeuvring IMEC Amidst Middle East Conflict

The feasibility and longevity of the Abraham Accords, along with

DAILY BRIEF: Opposition tears into Centre as Pakistan set to get $1 bn disbursement

DAILY NEWS: A quick look at South Asian stories that