Israel’s proven “Light Shield” system, already under production for service by early 2023, is a ‘game-changer’ according to PM Bennett, saying the laser-based air defense system will ‘bankrupt’ Israel’s enemies, Lebanon, Palestinians & Iran, when downing their rockets at $2 per interception.

By Reuters

A laser-based air defense system that Israel hopes to deploy starting next year to neutralize enemy rockets and drones will cost just $2 per interception, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Wednesday.

Israel currently depends on defensive systems that launch interceptor missiles costing between tens of thousands and millions of dollars to track incoming projectiles.

Iron Beam can reportedly intercept drones, mortars, rockets, and anti-tank missile – Photo- Screengrab: Naftali Bennett

But the Iron Beam system, also called “Light Shield”, is a prototype unveiled last year, which uses lasers to super-heat and disable aerial threats.

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Israel has been testing the defense system for several years, and is among the first countries to utilize such technologies. Bennett predicted it would enter service by early 2023.

Bennett inspects downed mortar shell at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems during display of Israel’s new Iron Beam system – Photo: Amos Ben Gershom/ GPO

“This is a game-changer, not just because we are striking at the enemy military, but also because we are bankrupting it,” he said during a visit to the system’s state-owned manufacturer, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

Palestinian and Lebanese forces have launched thousands of rockets and mortar bombs at Israel in past wars, which in recent years has also intercepted drones it suspects were launched by Iranian-backed fighters near its borders.

“Until today, it cost us a lot of money to intercept each rocket. Today they (the enemy) can invest tens of thousands of dollars in a rocket and we will invest $2 on the electricity for intercepting that rocket,” Bennett said in a video issued by his office.

Israel’s ‘Iron Beam’, the first-of-its-kind defensive laser-system by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will be highly cost-efficient. – Photo: Amos Ben Gershom/ Israel’s GPO

View original Ynet publication at:
https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/hkzris4d9

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