Israeli MoD Developing Anti-missile Laser at "$1 per shot"

Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD) has announced a breakthrough laser system to defeat missiles whose recurring cost could be “$1 per shot” compared to hundreds or thousands of dollars for each missile of an anti-missile air defense system.

"Every shot is very cheap. After the investment in the system it's one dollar per shot. We will be a system complementing Iron Dome," said Research and Development at the Defense Ministry's Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) head Brig. Gen. Yaniv Rotem.

The system is being developed by engineers from the Defense Ministry's Weapons Development and Technology Infrastructure Administration (MAFAT). In 2009, they developed algorithms to produce powerful focused laser beams, and increased their effective range in various types of weather conditions. The laser beams need to be 300 times more powerful than in the laboratory to achieve their target, Globes reported on Wednesday.

The anti-missile laser system will be used to intercept drones, mortar shells and rockets, light aircraft and anti-tank missiles. It will complement Israel's Arrow (long range), David's Sling (medium range) and Iron Dome (short range) missile defense systems.