Ministry of Defense has revealed development that will allow "interception systems to bring about strategic change in air defense capability" • The system will complete the existing defense envelope

Director of IDF and Infrastructure Development on Wednesday unveiled a powerful laser development for high-trajectory, anti-missile, and tiny tool interceptions. The breakthrough will enable the development of powerful laser-based interception systems. According to the Director of the Ministry of Defense, the technology will bring about a strategic change in Israel's air defense capabilities.

The laser weapon was first revealed // Photo: Department of Public Relations and Public Information, Ministry of Defense

Following this, MAPA launched three powerful laser sampling programs, in collaboration with the defense industries Raphael and Elbit Systems:

• Development of fish demonstrations for a ground laser system, complementary to an iron dome system, which will form another layer of protection.

• The Maneuvering Laser - Developing a mobile demonstrator to protect the maneuvering forces in the field.

• Develops a laser demonstrator that intercepts clouds, protects larger spaces and is mounted on an aerial platform.

According to the principal, a powerful laser interception has the following benefits:

• Continuous low-cost use.

• Improve the effectiveness of the protection systems as a result of the use of two different and complementary technologies. This means air defense such as "Iron Dome" and laser.

• Smart interception management and reduced interceptor usage.

• Potential for intercepting additional threats such as skimmers, drones and even accurate rockets in the future.

Over the years, MAPA has invested efforts in advancing powerful laser technology. Many developments, both from Israel and abroad, have been tested and proven to be ineffective. Recent achievements have been the result of collaboration between the MAPA and the defense industries ("Raphael" and "Elbit Systems") and academics. These achievements have been made possible by the development of electric laser, unlike the chemical laser they have used so far.

The development is based on laser beam accuracy. Using the new technology, the defense system has been able to target and stabilize the beam on a long-range target, including overcoming atmospheric disturbances. This technology enables the development of effective intercepting systems, with high operational efficiency, that will form another layer in the effort to protect the State of Israel by air, land and sea.

Head of R&D at Mapa, Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Yaniv Rotem said: "We are entering a new era of 'energy warfare' in the air, land and sea. Investment in R&D in recent years has placed Israel among the leading countries in the field of laser power. During 2020, we will be demonstrating laser capabilities in the field. "