The "Blade of Light" system, the first of its kind in the world, broke a record and stopped 150 incendiary balloons in 10 days • Border commander, Superintendent Kobi Shabtai:

• Border Police Commander Kobi Shabtai

  Photo: 

  Oren Cohen

Exactly ten days were enough for two border fighters, who serve as the only laser interceptors in the country, to break a record of exploding incendiary balloons in the northern Gaza Strip. 

150 balloons were shot down thanks to the unique "blade blade" system, which knows how to detect the target with the help of sensors, monitors its movement and fires a continuous and focused laser beam at it until the balloon explodes, without being able to penetrate Israeli territory. 

A fire in a field between Sderot and Kibbutz Or Haner // Photo: Kibbutz Erez Security

While the only laser system in the country covers a limited area in the Gaza Strip, with a success rate of close to 100% during this period, the Palestinians continue to send dozens of balloons to other areas, to which bottles of combustible material, improvised explosive devices and spray grenades are attached. Some of the balloons are intercepted by IDF fighters, but most of them manage to infiltrate Israel and cause arson in the agricultural areas.

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The system was developed thanks to a collaboration between Opti-Defense, the Border Police and the Israel Police, which was later joined by Mapat of the Ministry of Defense and the IDF Technology Division. "Blade of Light" was first launched in February this year, for two weeks, and recorded dozens of interceptions. It now appears that the system has managed to reach full capacity. 

"Every miscarriage is a relief," says one of the two interceptors, Brigadier General Manny Shalom. The meaning is painful. Civilians may be harmed. Although it looks like a computer game from the outside, operating the system requires patience and perseverance, focus and coordination. "In one moment, 15 balloons can land in front of you in Mecca, and within seconds you have to prioritize according to who is the first of them to cross the fence." 

The idea for the Lahav Or system was conceived by the owner of Opti-Defense, the laser specialist, Dr. Udi Ben-Ami, and the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Ben-Gurion University, Prof. Ami Yeshaya. "The idea came from Zionism," they both clarify. See the burned fields and hear about the plight of the farmers. We made inquiries with members of the defense establishment, and it became clear to us that there is no quick and practical solution. " 

Despite that many security officials have expressed skepticism, who recognized the potential of the Border Police commander, Major General Kobi Shabtai.

"The advantage of the 'Blade of Light' system, unlike other similar systems in the world, is its special laser that does not interfere with the airspace and does not harm the eyes of pilots or aircraft," he explains. "The system was built within eight months, and has now proven itself beyond expectations. We are operating it together with the IDF, and I hope that the defense system will soon purchase additional systems." 

The full story of the laser system and interceptors will be published on Friday in the "Shishvat" supplement.