Israel shoots down drone with laser cannon
The Israeli military and defense industry have released new footage showing a series of tests of the new laser system.
The Jerusalem Post reported that the demonstration was carried out by the Defense Department’s Directorate of Research and Development (DDR&D, or MAFAT in Hebrew) and the Rafael Advanced Defense System.
In tests carried out over the past several weeks in southern Israel, the system accurately intercepted unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), mortars, rockets and anti-tank missiles in different situations. .
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“We are at a historic moment in the world of weapons,” said Brig. General Yaniv Rotem, head of the arms development agency of the Ministry of Defense, who developed the system together with Rafael and Elbit. “For the first time, an energy weapon actually works.”
“Our mission is very clear: To show that it works before the Passover holiday with all the criteria that we have set,” said Rotem, adding that the test series has allowed Israel to step forward. into a “completely new era” of energy-based weapon systems. .
IMOD and Rafael’s DDR&D have successfully completed breakthrough tests with a high-powered laser intercept system against ramp threats. The performers successfully intercepted UAVs, mortars, rockets and anti-tank missiles in a variety of situations. pic.twitter.com/DhHzCaGM8P
– Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) April 14, 2022
“No one in the world has demonstrated such ability. The state of Israel was the first to conduct a live fire. We are in the age of new weapons – energy-based weapons. We are there,” he said.
Defense Minister Benny Gantz said that Israel has become one of the first countries to succeed in developing combat-standard powerful laser technology that can perform interception in combat situations.
“Energy-based weapons, with powerful lasers, are a very important game changer,” Gantz said, adding that the system “will contribute to the negation of important capabilities of the enemy in all arenas.”
While Gantz says it will still take time before it becomes fully operational, “for the first time a powerful laser system can intercept distant targets. This achievement is due to Israeli innovation, the defense establishment and industries have come together to provide an umbrella of security protection for the people of Israel.”