Israel’s advanced laser interception system, called Iron Beam, is scheduled to go into operation next year.
This is according to Eyal Zamir, head of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who yesterday signed a $535m (£411m) contract with manufacturers Rafael and Elbit.
Iron Beam would complement Israel’s other air defense capabilities, including the better known Iron Dome.
These were unable to intercept all projectiles launched into Israel, resulting in casualties among both civilians and military personnel.
The cost of a single Iron Dome interception is thought to be around $50,000 (£38,400). In contrast, interception with iron beams costs a few dollars each.
“This may sound like science fiction, but it’s reality,” former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said in 2022, saying Iron Beam interceptions would be silent, invisible and cost $3.50 each. added.
This month, the United States equipped Israel with an advanced defense system capable of fending off ballistic missiles both above and beyond the atmosphere.
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) requires 95 soldiers to operate, and the United States is also providing the personnel.
You can read more about Israel’s air defense system below.
