The Defense Ministry has made a technological breakthrough in the development of lasers that can intercept aerial threats, including rockets and anti-tank guided missiles, it announced Wednesday.New laser technology "makes the security apparatus more lethal, more powerful and more advanced," Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said Wednesday evening.
As a result of the breakthrough, the ministry has launched three programs for the development of high-energy laser demonstration systems in cooperation with the two companies: a ground-based laser system to complement the capabilities of the Iron Dome, development of a maneuverable platform-mounted laser system to defend troops in the field and the development of a laser demo system mounted on an air platform to intercept threats above cloud covers and for the defense of wide areas.
"This is one system with many options – the weapon of the future," Rotem said.
Throughout the year there will be several trials of the demos' capabilities, the ministry said. If effective, they will be deployed to the Gaza border area.
