Tests of anti-missile system in Israel. File photoTEL AVIV, Apr 14The Israeli Defense Ministry and Rafael have successfully completed a series of tests of a laser interception system for missiles and UAVs, the press service of the defense department said. Defense Secretary Benny Gantz called the first successful test of a laser missile defense system a «global breakthrough.» — service of the Ministry of Defense. Laser missile defense, the hallmark of which will be cheapness of use and practically unlimited ammunition, will be integrated into Israel's multi-level air defense system. The head of the research and development department of the Ministry of Defense, General Yaniv Rotem, said that Israel, during the completed tests, for the first time managed to intercept mortar shells, missiles, UAVs and anti-tank missiles at complex distances and time intervals. «Laser is a game-changer with a simple control system and significant economic benefits. Our plan is to deploy multiple laser missile defenses along Israel's borders over the next decade,» Rotem said.
Syrian air defense forces repulsed Israeli rocket fire on Latakia on April 9In March, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced that the state would allocate hundreds of millions of shekels for the development and production of a laser air defense system to intercept missiles, mortar shells and UAVs. In February Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said at a National Security Institute conference that the Israeli army will be equipped with laser interceptor systems within a year that will allow them to shoot down missiles fired into the country, which will cost much less than the current Iron Dome missile defense system, each operation of which so far costs the Israeli treasury thousands of dollars.
