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Source: https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/r1swf7CoO#autoplay
Video: Israel Cites Progress in Airborne Laser that Shoots Down Drones
(Ynet News-Globes) The IDF said Monday it has successfully tested an airborne high-power laser that can shoot down drones. A prototype, developed with Elbit Systems, successfully shot down several drones in a recent test over the Mediterranean Sea. "The ability to intercept and destroy threats from the air is groundbreaking. Israel is among the first countries to use such capabilities," said Brig.-Gen. Yaniv Rotem, head of military research and development at the Defense Ministry. In the coming years, Israel hopes to also deploy a ground-based laser system with a range of 20 km. (12 miles) that can intercept rockets, mortars and drones. The airborne high-power laser will be operational within three years and is much cheaper than the $50,000 that each Iron Dome interception missile costs. The new system will be able to intercept long-range threats at high altitudes regardless of weather conditions and defend vast areas.