Laser defense system

As Israel's Iron Beam laser defense system moves closer to deployment, the battlefield could be entering a new era. But what does this really mean for security, strategy and the homefront?

MILITARY AFFAIRS: Yuval Steinitz attributes much of Israel’s successful defense against Iranian attacks to Rafael’s multi-layered systems, such as the Iron Dome and David’s Sling.

The Iron Beam is the most advanced, operational laser in the world, though England, the US, and others have relatively advanced lasers.

Despite hitting Iran's missile sites, the real threat looms larger: with Russian and Chinese backing, Iran's arsenal could grow tenfold.

The future threats and the cost of the arms race with Jerusalem’s adversaries require adopting a new and forward-looking strategy.

Defense Secretary Grant Shapp said, "This type of cutting-edge weaponry has the potential to [revolutionize] the battlespace by reducing the reliance on expensive ammunition"

"One year from now – Israel will be the first country to have partial laser protection. In two years there may be complete protection," said Yuval Steinitz.

Israel's MAFAT also wants to engineer viruses or germs to detect explosives in the field as part of the process of neutralizing them.

The Ukrainian battlefield shows how key Israeli tech is to the air defenses nations want, especially as defense from the threat of Iranian drones.

An open-source investigation published last week by The Space Review found that Russia is developing a new laser system in the Greater Caucasus mountain range that will disable foreign satellites.

The ministry is looking to other organizations and individuals to help fund the project.