Israel Tests New Laser Missile Technology

Israel updates its missile defense system. (Wikipedia)

Israel announced plans on January 8 to update the Iron Dome missile defense system. The new system, which seeks to“defeat drones, rockets, artillery, mortars, and anti-tank guided missiles,” achieved a 100% success rate in tests conducted by Rafael, the firm developing the system. Heralded as a “major breakthrough,” this technology constitutes an “important milestone for Israel’s operational ability,” and it may usher in a new age of the use of lasers in warfare.

This laser technology serves as an update to the Iron Dome, Israel’s current defense system. Developed in 2010, the system has intercepted 2,400 missiles, most of which were short-range rockets or mortars coming from the Gaza Strip. 

This new technology focuses on short-range missiles, drones, and rockets, each of which has penetrated the Iron Dome’s defenses in recent months (most notably in May, when rockets fired from Gaza killed four Israelis). Developed in a private-public partnership, the new system is the first of Israel’s plans to develop laser systems to defend the country. Two other systems, one of which will attempt to protect Israeli troops on the ground, are still in development and not expected to be unveiled soon. 

This laser technology has the potential to “provide a more cost-effective missile defense capability.” While it is expensive to build and develop, the cost of a single shot is “negligible,” according to DefenseNews. Furthermore, the technology could help ensure that Israel does not run out of interceptors. 

However, there are some potential drawbacks to the new system. Interception is much slower, as the lasers must focus on their target for several seconds in order to destroy it. In addition, it only fires one laser at a time; in contrast, the Iron Dome fires several interceptors simultaneously. Furthermore, the price of building a multi-beamed system is prohibitive and likely not worth the cost. As a result, it is probable that the laser system will be paired with the Iron Dome, at least for the time being. 

While this new technology is exciting, its development is far from complete. Although this test suggests lasers could be a new key element in Israeli defense and warfare in general, lasers are not failproof. Advanced missiles and rockets from countries such as Russia, China, and Iran can still penetrate the system and harm Israelis.