ARMAMENTS

The Israeli Ministry of Defence, in cooperation with Elbit Systems and the Air Force, successfully completed a series of groundbreaking tests, during which a number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were intercepted in different areas and altitudes, using an airborne laser system installed on a light aircraft.

The series of tests was carried out under the leadership of the Research and Development Unit (R&D). In different scenarios, a light aircraft, on which the laser system was installed, intercepted a number of UAVs at different altitudes. The groundbreaking tests were carried out in a central area of ​​the country with the close cooperation of the Air Force.

The interceptions were executed in a range of up to 1 km, although Elbit Systems and the Air Force aim to increase this range to 8-10 km, not only for the UAVs, but also for other threats such as rockets, mortar ammunition and artillery.

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Israel is one of the first countries in the world to achieve the implementation of laser technology on airborne platforms, while demonstrating interceptions in operational scenarios. This series of tests is the first phase in a multi-year pilot project of Elbit Systems to develop an airborne laser system against long-range, high-frequency air threats.

Such airborne Interception with the use of a powerful laser system has several advantages, including the extremely low cost of each interception, the ability to intercept threats at very long distances and at high altitudes regardless of weather conditions by providing anti-aircraft/anti-missile defence in vast areas. 

The laser air system will complement Israel’s multi-layered defence system, which includes the “Iron Dome”, “David’s Sling” (formely Magic Wand) and “Arrow” systems. The system will increase the effectiveness of defence against existing and future air threats.

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