Police and technology experts develop: Light Blade system will lock on balloon or skimmer, and laser beam will blast or burn them • "Counterterrorism will be effective now"

• "Light Blade" system // Photo: Police spokesmen

Police have developed a laser-based defense system, which is essentially similar to an Iron Dome and is intended to thwart Molotov cocktails and hovercraft launched from the Gaza Strip toward Israel.

It is a laser system known as a "light blade", and the organization is said to be the first in the world to demonstrate operational ability to blast balloons and levers.

The threat of balloons and kites from the Gaza Strip, which sparked fire in the southern communities, as well as riders with the ability to carry cargoes and other explosives, led the Border Patrol and the Police Means Development Department - in collaboration with the Optidepence company - to develop this system. She recently demonstrated operational ability to intercept.

The development, which began about a year ago, was led by Border Police Commander Yaakov Shabtai. He accepted a technology solution offered by three experts in the field of electro-optics and laser. With the assistance of the Police Department of Technology Development (MAPT), he built a technological fish within eight days. In addition, the IDF's Infrastructure Development Department (IDF), the Military (IDF) Technology Division and private investors were also assisted.

Fast stocking

Here's how it works: Once the target has been identified, the system captures, tracks, and drops the balloon or float, locks on it, and blasts the balloon with a unique laser beam. In the case of a skimmer, it burns parts of it until it is knocked down.

One of the major challenges was avoiding risk to other airspace factors in the new system. As for the cost, police say "the low price will allow for a great deal of equipping."

Border Patrol Commander Satav Saturn // Photo: Hertzi Shapira

For the purpose of the development, the three experts established Optidepence, which signed a cooperation agreement with the police. The unique solution was filed for patent registration.

"This is a system that proves that balloons and hovercraft can be intercepted without jeopardizing other elements in the target area," explained Nitzav Shabtai. "The development in the near future will effectively deal with the new threat we face in the arena."