Israel successfully tested the Iron Beam laser system, shooting down a drone, a mortar round and an artillery shell (video)

In a video published by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, a laser system intercepts a rocket, a mortar

mine and drone.The video was filmed in the Negev Desert in southern Israel in March of this year. And this system, called Iron Beam, is being developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, known for its modern developments of anti-aircraft systems, including the famous Iron Dome.

Ground laser air defense system, which receivedThe name "Iron Beam" is not intended to replace the "Iron Dome" or other Israeli air defense systems (David's Sling anti-aircraft missile system or Spyder mobile air defense system), but to complement them. Its job is to destroy small projectiles and mortar mines, leaving larger targets for more reliable (and more expensive to use - each missile costs money, unlike a laser beam, which only consumes energy) missile batteries.

According to the head of research anddevelopments of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Yaniv Rotem (Yaniv Rotem), the tests were carried out in "difficult" conditions - the distance to the targets, limited timing and night time. "The use of a laser is a game changer and the technology is easy to operate and is proving to be economically viable”, he noted.

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The Iron Beam laser air defense system during testing in southern Israel, March 2022.

Israel does not disclose technical specificationsIron Beam system (for example, laser power), but notes that its power turned out to be even higher than designed. At the same time, there are also disadvantages of the laser system - it is ineffective in conditions of poor visibility or high clouds. Therefore, there are plans to install a similar laser on an airplane that will be in the air above the clouds. According to representatives of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, this may take several more years.

During last year's 11-day war on Israelmore than 4,000 shells and rockets were fired by terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip. Against these and other threats, Israel uses a multi-layered air defense system consisting of short-range Iron Dome, medium-range David's Sling, and long-range Arrow and Patriot systems. The advent of the Iron Beam laser system will make it possible to repel attacks not only from missiles, but also from smaller targets such as artillery shells and mortar shells. The Israeli Ministry of Defense also says that Iron Beam will be able to shoot down drones and anti-tank missiles.

A source:the Times of Israel