Israel Successfully Tests Laser Weapons, Able To Attack And Survive All Weather

The drone was shot down with a laser. (YouTube Elbit Systems screenshot)

JAKARTA - Israeli authorities announced the success of an interception test by firing a laser at a moving target in the air. The trials, which were conducted a few weeks ago, involved the Israeli Air Force (IAF) and Elbit Systems.

According to the Jerusalem Post on June 21, the Israeli ministry said the tests were carried out over the sea, involving a civilian Cessna aircraft used to fire high-power lasers, targeting unmanned drones flying at different distances and altitudes.

The Israeli Defense Ministry said this success has the potential to make Israel the first country in the world to use laser technology on aircraft to intercept moving targets in operational simulations.

"This is the first time in Israel, perhaps in the world, that this has been done," Brigadier General said. Yaniv Rotem, head of military research and development at the Israeli Ministry of Defence.

"This is an innovative technological achievement and an important step for further development. This laser system is powerful and precise to destroy targets in the air regardless of weather conditions," he continued.

Israel's test-firing of lasers. (Elbit Systems YouTube screenshot)

Fully automatic energy system uses lasers to destroy targets while flying above the clouds, powerful and precise

The fully automated energy system uses lasers to destroy targets while flying above the clouds, he said, adding that a "powerful and precise system" can intercept targets "regardless of weather conditions."

Once the target passes through the desired area, the system can be aimed at any part with very high accuracy. It locks and remains locked until the target falls.

This trial is the first phase of a multi-year pilot program of the Ministry of Defense Administration for Weapons and Technology Infrastructure Development (MAFAT) and Elbit Systems to develop an aerial laser system.

Construction of this system to deal with a number of threats facing Israel, including long-range rockets. However, this system is said to have not been developed for use against incendiary balloons from the Gaza Strip.

Aerial laser targeting has many advantages, including low cost of use, the ability to effectively intercept long-range threats at high altitude, regardless of weather conditions and the ability to defend large areas.

"The Ministry of Defense hopes to pilot this system on larger aircraft in future trials and then on other aerial platforms. The system will initially be used for defense and eventually will also be used in offensive scenarios," Rotem said.

Brigadier General Yaniv Rotem. (Elbit Systems YouTube screenshot)

Rotem said that during trials several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were shot down at a distance of one kilometer with a 100 percent success rate. In the next few years, this capability is targeted to be able to produce lasers with a power of 100 kilowatts with an effective range of up to 20 kilometers.

"The ground laser system under development will be operational in three to four years and the air system in eight to 10 years," Rotem said, adding that in the next decade, it is hoped that such a system can destroy targets hundreds of kilometers away.

Last year, the ministry launched three programs to develop a high-energy laser demonstration system in collaboration with two companies, a ground-based laser system to complement the interceptor capability of the Iron Dome, a platform-mounted laser that can maneuver to defend troops on the ground. And a demo laser system mounted on aerial platforms to intercept threats above cloud cover and for wide area defense.

"The ground system will also be able to destroy targets at a distance of eight to 10 km with a 100-kilowatt laser. The Ministry of Defense targets that this system can be used by 2024 in the Gaza border area, to shoot down fired rockets," Rotem said.

Separately, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz congratulated MAFAT, Elbit and the IAF on the technological breakthrough.

"Today, you have brought us closer to another important milestone in the development of the State of Israel's multitier defense array, and it is significant both in terms of cost-effectiveness and defense capability." praised Gantz.

"The laser system will add a new layer of protection at greater range and in the face of multiple threats, securing the State of Israel while saving on interception costs," Gantz said.

Israeli military laser test control room. (Elbit Systems YouTube screenshot)

"I am confident the Israeli defense industry will succeed in this important development program, and I will work closely with all defense agencies to ensure its success," Gantz added.

The Ministry of Defense hopes that the air system will further enhance the effectiveness of Israel's air defenses against existing and future threats. It is expected to complement Israel's multitiered air defense array, which includes the Iron Dome, David Sling missile interceptor for medium range and Arrow for long range interception.

"We are proud to spearhead the development of this strategic capability together with the Ministry of Defense and the IAF. The test was successful thanks to the various technological assets that the unit has," explained Elbit ISTAR general manager Oren Sabag.

"We believe that the use of high-powered lasers to conduct low-cost aerial interception of enemy rockets and drones closer to their launch areas and away from population centers offers a significant change in Israel's defense capabilities," he concluded.