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Israel's "Iron Dome" defense system
Photo: Ammar Awad / REUTERS
According to Israel, it has successfully tested a high-power laser system for missile defense.
In a series of exercises with the so-called "Iron Beam", drones, rockets and mortar shells were intercepted, the Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday.
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said in a statement: "Today, for the first time, an Israeli-made high-power laser system has successfully intercepted multiple targets, marking a global breakthrough."
Gantz recently approved a multi-million dollar development budget.
The new missile defense is called "Iron Beam", based on the name of the mobile missile defense system "Iron Dome", which protects Israel from missile attacks.
The tests are part of a multi-year program, the ministry said.
The aim is to develop a powerful laser system that will complement the "Iron Dome" anti-missile shield.
The state-owned armaments company Rafael is in the lead.
"The laser is a game changer thanks to its easy-to-use system and significant economic benefits," said Brigadier General Yaniv Rotem of the Israel Defense Ministry's Directorate of Defense Research and Development.
"Our plan is to deploy multiple laser transmitters along Israel's borders over the next decade," he said.
Initially, the new defense system is to be used primarily in the south of the Jewish state, near the Gaza Strip.
There are always attacks there.
In particular, the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip and pro-Iranian militias such as Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon to the north are threatening Israel with rockets.
There have been four attacks in Israel recently.
The country fears further acts of violence during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which began earlier this month.
mfh/dpa
