A test of Israel's David's Sling air defense system, in 2016. (Credit: United States Missile Defense Agency archive photo)
BEIRUT — The Israeli army announced on Wednesday that it had used new laser-based interception systems against dozens of targets during the war with Hamas, which started in October 2023.
According to a report published by the Israeli army, during its military onslaught against Gaza, dubbed operation "Iron Swords," the Israeli Defense Ministry's Defense Intelligence Agency, the Air Force, and Rafael, an defense technology company, "led an accelerated development process for operating new laser-based interception systems, in which defense fighters intercepted dozens of enemy targets."
According to the Israeli army, the systems are based on "technological breakthroughs achieved over decades," adding that they are an "additional layer of protection for energy weapon systems being developed by the Ministry of Defense."
The reports adds that these systems are different than the "Iron Beam" anti-aircraft laser system, which is "currently being developed and expected to be delivered to the Israeli army this year."
In October, the Israeli Ministry of Defense revealed a huge contract worth around $530 million to several Israeli companies to accelerate the development of the "Iron Beam." In addition to the other anti-aircraft defense systems already used by Israel, this system should enable the army to intercept drones more effectively.
"During the war, the [Israeli] Air Force, including the Air Defense Force fighters, studied and deployed laser systems in the field, resulting in exceptionally high interception achievements," the report reads.
According to Israeli army chief Brigadier General Daniel Gold, Israel is the "first country in the world to present a massive operational laser capability to intercept threats."
At the end of September 2024, amid the war with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, Israel announced that it had secured a new $8.7 billion U.S. military aid package “in support of Israel's ongoing military effort."
The Israeli Defense Ministry said that $5.2 billion of this amount had been earmarked for upgrading existing air defense systems, as well as for an “advanced defense system using a high-powered laser beam in the final stages of development.”
Apart from this new interception system, Israel has a multi-layered anti-aircraft and anti-missile umbrella, consisting of the Arrow and David's Slingshot systems, specifically designed to intercept ballistic missiles, and the Iron Dome system, which intercepts rockets and shorter-range missiles.
Israel has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023.
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