Monday, June 21, 2021

Israel successfully downs targets using airborne laser system - Anna Ahronheim

 

​ by Anna Ahronheim

Trials over several days were led by the Defense Ministry's Research and Development unit.

 

 

Israel MoD Successfully Completes its First-Ever Series of Interception Tests Employing an Airborne, High-Power Laser System

The Defense Ministry has successfully carried out a series of interceptions to shoot down drones with a powerful airborne laser system installed on a civilian light aircraft.
The trials were carried out over a number of days last week under the leadership of the ministry’s Research and Development unit together with Elbit Systems and the Israel Air Force.
 
During the trials that were carried out over the sea, the high-powered laser fired from a civilian Cessna plane destroyed the unmanned targets at differing ranges and altitudes.
According to the Defense Ministry, Israel is perhaps the first country in the world to have been able to use such laser technology on an aircraft to intercept targets in an operational simulation.
 
“This is the first time in Israel, perhaps the world, that this was done,” said Brig.-Gen. Yaniv Rotem, head of military research and development at the Ministry of Defense. “This is a groundbreaking technological achievement and is a critical step for further development.”
According to Rotem, the fully-automated energy system uses the laser to destroy an acquired target while flying above the clouds, the “powerful and precise system” can intercept the target “regardless of weather conditions.”
 
Once a target passes through the area of interest, the system can be directed at any part of it with very high accuracy. It locks on  and remains locked on until the target is downed.
 
A UAV used in an IAF test of an airborne High-Power Laser Weapon System. (MINISTRY OF DEFENSE SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE) A UAV used in an IAF test of an airborne High-Power Laser Weapon System. (MINISTRY OF DEFENSE SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE) 
 
The trials are the first phase in a multi-year pilot program of the Defense Ministry’s Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure (MAFAT) and Elbit Systems to develop an aerial laser system to confront a number of threats facing Israel, including long-range rockets. This system will not be used against incendiary balloons from Gaza.
 
Airborne laser targeting has many advantages, including a low cost of use, the ability to effectively intercept long-range threats at high altitude regardless of weather conditions and the ability to defend large areas.
 
Rotem said that in upcoming trials the hope is to install the system on a larger aircraft, and then on other aerial platforms. While the system will be used initially for defense, it will also be used in offensive scenarios.
 
Rotem said that during the trials, several UAVs were downed at a range of 1 km. with a 100% success rate and in a few years the ministry aims to build a laser with a power of 100 kilowatts that will have an effective range of 20 km.
 
A ground laser system under development will be operational in three to four years and the airborne system in eight to 10 years, Rotem said, adding that in another decade, it is hoped that such a system could destroy targets hundreds of kilometers away.
 
Last year, the ministry launched three programs to develop high-energy laser demonstration systems in cooperation with the two companies: a ground-based laser system to complement the capabilities of the Iron Dome missile interceptor, a maneuverable platform-mounted laser to defend troops in the field, and a laser demo system mounted on an aerial platform to intercept threats above cloud cover and for the defense of wide areas.
 
Rotem said the ground system will also be able to destroy targets at a range of 8-10 km. with a 100 kW laser. The ministry is aiming for an operational system by 2024 to be deployed at the Gaza border area for shooting down rockets.
 
Defense Minister Benny Gantz congratulated MAFAT, Elbit and the IAF on the technological breakthrough.
Israel MoD Successfully Completes its First-Ever Series of Interception Tests Employing an Airborne, High-Power Laser System (Credit: MINISTRY OF DEFENSE SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE)Israel MoD Successfully Completes its First-Ever Series of Interception Tests Employing an Airborne, High-Power Laser System (Credit: MINISTRY OF DEFENSE SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE)
 
“Today, you have brought us closer to yet another important milestone in the development of the multi-tier defense array of the State of Israel and it is significant both in terms of cost-effectiveness and defense capabilities,” he said. “The laser system will add a new layer of protection at greater ranges and in facing a variety of threats – securing the State of Israel while saving costs of interception. I am confident that Israel’s defense industry will succeed in this important development program, and I will work personally together with the entire defense establishment to ensure its success.”
 
The Defense Ministry hopes that the airborne system will further increase the effectiveness of Israel’s air defenses against existing and future threats and it is expected to complement Israel’s multi-tier missile defense array, which includes the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow missile interceptors.
 
“We are proud to spearhead the development of this strategic capability together with the Ministry of Defense and the IAF,” said Oren Sabag, the general manager of Elbit ISTAR. “The trials were successful thanks to a range of unique technological assets. We believe that the use of a high-powered laser to carry out low-cost airborne interception of rockets and hostile unmanned aircraft closer to their launching areas and away from population centers offers a significant change in Israel’s defense capabilities."

 

 Anna Ahronheim

Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israel-successfully-downs-targets-using-airborne-laser-system-671638

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