“It sounds like science fiction, but it's real”: Israel successfully tested a new laser missile defense system

Israel's new laser missile defense system has successfully intercepted mortars, rockets and anti-tank missiles in recent tests, Defense Minister Benny Gantz reported Thursday.

The Israeli-made laser system, designed to complement a series of air defense systems such as the expensive Iron Dome deployed by Israel, will be operational “as soon as possible,” Gantz added.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett tweeted today: “Israel has successfully tested the new Iron Beam laser interception system. This is the world's first energy-based weapons system that uses a laser to shoot down incoming UAVs, rockets and mortars at a cost of $3.50 per shot. It may sound like science fiction, but it's real.”

The goal is to deploy laser systems around Israel's borders over the next decade, he said. The tests took place last month in the Negev desert.

Bennett said in February that Israel would start using the system within a year, sending a message to the nation's archenemy, Iran.

The head of the Central Command of the US Armed Forces, General Kenneth McKenzie, recently said that Iran is “the greatest threat to regional security and stability” in the Middle East, as Tehran “provides arms, support and direction to its allies in the region, which carry out acts of terrorism and undermine governments local; all for Iranian interests. Iran's ballistic missile threat” has continued to expand.

Gantz stated that the laser system would be part of “an efficient, economical and innovative protection umbrella.”

Israel has already developed or deployed a series of systems aimed at intercepting various types of objects, from long-range missiles to rockets launched from a few kilometers (miles) away. It has also equipped its tanks with a missile defense system.

Little is known about the effectiveness of the laser system, but it is expected that it will be deployed on land, air and sea.

The announcement came close to the anniversary of the 11-day war between Israel and the Gaza Strip, from which the ruling extremist group Hamas fired more than 4,000 rockets into Israel.

Israel said its Iron Dome defense system has been a great success, with a 90% interception rate against rocket launches, but officials say the system is expensive to implement and that the new laser defense will be much more cost-effective.

The Ministry of Defense released a short video showing apparent successful interceptions of rockets, mortars and an unmanned aerial vehicle. The video appeared to show a laser beam coming out of a ground station, hitting targets and breaking them into small pieces.

Thursday's announcement came as talks on restoring Iran's nuclear deal with world powers have stalled. Israel opposes the agreement, saying it is not doing enough to curb Iran's nuclear program or its military activities in the region, and Israeli officials have said they will unilaterally do whatever is necessary to protect the country.

(With information from AP and EFE)

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