Israel launch triple-threat warfare technology

Over the years, Israel has developed a multi-layered defence system to combat Iran, the Gaza Strip, and Lebanon's Hezbollah in an ever-evolving ballistic missile threat. Israel's Defence Ministry announced a technological "breakthrough" that will allow powerful laser based interception and defensive systems to be developed and deployed.

Israel's Ministry's Research and Development Agency (RDA) announced this January that the new technology will bring strategic improvement to Israeli air defence capabilities. The technical breakthrough is based on the ability to reliably fire a laser beam.

The new defence system was able to target and focus the beam on long-range targets using the new technology, as far as overcoming atmospheric disturbances. This technology enables the development of effective, highly operationally efficient intercepting systems which will form another layer in the effort to protect the State of Israel by air, land and sea.

Following the breakthrough, three powerful laser programs have been launched by the ministry in collaboration with Israeli security industries Raphael and Elbit Systems.

The first feature under construction is a ground laser device that will supplement the Iron Dome defence system and form an additional protective layer against rocket, mortar, and missile attacks.

Another feature under development is a mobile unit mounted on a vehicle to support the manoeuvring forces in the field. The third unit under development is an airborne drone-based system that ' intercepts above the clouds ' and ' protects larger spaces. '

The advantages of a laser interception system are the constant and low-cost use and the improvement of protection systems efficacy as a result of using two separate and complementary technologies–kinetic air defences such as the Iron Dome system and laser. Likewise, the laser allows for intelligent interception management and reduced use of expensive interceptors implemented by the Iron Dome and other systems.

In addition, the laser interceptor is effective in intercepting other threats in the future, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), helicopters, and even accurate rockets. The RDA has made great efforts over the years to advance potent laser technology.

Many developments have been tested and proved ineffective, from both Israel and abroad. However, as a result of collaboration between the RDA and Israeli defence industries and academics, significant achievements have recently been achieved. Unlike the chemical laser they've used so far, these accomplishments were made possible by the invention of the electric laser.

The defence system is based on four operating layers: the Iron Dome Defence System for close-range missiles, David's Sling Weapon System designed for mid-range missiles, and Arrow-2 and 3 to battle long-range missiles.

Defence Minister Naftali Bennett said "Israeli brain continues to lead with breakthrough innovations." The Laser project will make the security system more deadly, more powerful and more advanced." "This is a significant tier to strengthen the State of Israel's security. In addition to the existing war tools, in the north and south, we will add a laser sword to face the threats, "he added.

“We are entering a new era of ‘energy warfare’ in the air, land and sea. R&D investments made by the RDA in recent years places Israel among the leading countries in the field of laser power,” stated IDF Brigadier General Yaniv Rotem.