Israel is set to launch a new high-powered laser interception system named Iron Beam next year, as confirmed by the director-general of Israel’s foreign ministry Eyal Zamir. The system, signed under a $535 million contract with manufacturers Rafael and Elbit, is designed to supplement Israel’s existing aerial defence capacities, including the well-known Iron Dome.
Iron Beam aims to address the limitations of the Iron Dome, which has not been able to intercept every projectile launched into Israel, leading to civilian and military casualties. While an Iron Dome interception is estimated to cost $50,000, Iron Beam interceptions are expected to cost only a few dollars each.
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett described Iron Beam’s interceptions as silent, invisible, and cost-effective at $3.50 each. The US has recently supplied Israel with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system, capable of defending against ballistic missiles inside or outside the atmosphere. The THAAD system requires a crew of 95 soldiers to operate, which the US is also providing.
The introduction of Iron Beam and THAAD represents a significant advancement in Israel’s air defence capabilities, providing a more comprehensive and cost-effective solution for intercepting threats. These developments mark a significant step forward in enhancing Israel’s security and protecting its citizens from potential attacks.
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