Israel Deploys Laser-Based Air Defense System, Claiming a First
TEL AVIV – Israel has announced the operational deployment of a laser-based air defense system capable of intercepting drones and projectiles, marking what officials claim is a world first.The Ministry of Defense has not disclosed specific details regarding the system’s range or capabilities,but confirmed it has been used in limited capacity earlier this year.
The new technology is being touted as a significantly cheaper option to traditional missile-based defense systems. Israeli officials state the cost per interception is less than US $5 (Rp. 83,000), compared to the tens of thousands of dollars – or hundreds of millions of rupiah – required for each missile intercept.This advancement arrives as Israel faces ongoing multi-front security challenges, including sustained projectile attacks since the October 7th Hamas incursion which saw 3,000 rockets fired towards Israel.
Defense minister Israel Katz praised the system’s “fast and targeted interception with marginal costs that combine our existing defense system and change the equation of threats.” While numerous countries are developing directed energy weapons, Israel asserts it is the first to reach full operational status. The announcement follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s emphasis on achieving security independence amid increasing international isolation. However, the laser system is known to have technical limitations, including an inability to function in cloudy weather.
