Israel plans to use high-power lasers to shoot down missiles amid ongoing conflict

Mangalore Today News Network

Israel, November 2, 2024: In the middle of the ongoing conflict with Iran-backed militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah, Israel is planning to make a new addition to its air defence system with the induction of the ‘Iron Beam’ which will use high-power lasers to shoot down incoming projectiles.

The Israeli defence ministry stated that the new anti-missile defence system will complement the country’s Iron Dome and other existing technologies, ushering in a “new era of warfare." It will be operational within a year.

Unlike the Iron Dome, Israel’s well-known air defence system which is already popular for intercepting rockets and missiles, the Iron Beam will use a cutting-edge laser system to down the incoming mortars, rockets, and drones, with ‘unprecedented precision.’

Designed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the developer of Israel’s Iron Dome, in collaboration with Elbit Systems, the Iron Beam can intercept targets at the speed of light over distances ranging from hundreds of meters to several kilometres.

It features an unlimited supply of ammunition, near-zero cost per interception, and minimal collateral damage, according to Israel’s defence ministry.

Israel to spend $530 million

Israel’s defence ministry said on Monday it has earmarked $530 million to accelerate the development of the laser air defence system known as “Iron Beam".

The Ministry of Defence has signed a major deal worth approximately 2 billion shekels to significantly expand procurement of the laser interception systems, ‘Iron Beam,’," a statement said.

Defence company Elbit said in a separate statement the ministry granted it a contract worth about $200 million specifically to develop Iron Beam.

The system is aimed at improving the interception of drones and other projectiles, which Hezbollah in Lebanon has fired at Israel since the start of the war in Gaza in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas.

It comes after Israel announced in late September it had received a new US military aid package worth $8.7 billion, at a time when it is at war with both Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.