JERUSALEM: Israel’s defence ministry announced on Monday the completion of a laser air defence system known as “Iron Beam”, which will be deployed by the end of December.
“The Iron Beam laser system is expected to fundamentally change the rules of engagement on the battlefield,” Daniel Gold, head of defence ministry research and development, told a defence summit in Tel Aviv.
“With development complete and a comprehensive testing programme that has validated the system’s capabilities,” he added, promising to deliver “initial operational capability” by the end of the year.
The announcement comes as Israeli military steps up its strikes against the militant group Hezbollah and its infrastructure, despite a ceasefire that began just over a year ago.
Contacted by AFP, the defence ministry refused to provide more details on what exactly would happen on that date.
The announcement marks a major milestone in a project more than a decade old, developed jointly with the state-owned arms company Rafael and Israeli private defence group Elbit.
The laser system seeks to enhance Israel’s interception of drones and other projectiles, and will supplement other aerial defence capacities such as the more well-known Iron Dome.
Iron Dome offers short-range protection against missiles and rockets.
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