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Assessing Israel's Tactical Laser Breakthrough

(Foundation for Defense of Democracies) Jacob Nagel, Bradley Bowman, and Maj. Liane Zivitski - Israel's Ministry of Defense announced on Jan. 8 a "breakthrough" in its development of laser technology to intercept aerial threats. In 2006, the same Israeli committee that recommended the development of Iron Dome for short-range missile defense also recommended that Israel continue R&D to develop a solid-state laser for the same purpose. Israeli government scientists and industry partners have now developed a solid-state laser source capable of producing a coherent beam strong enough to intercept lower-tier rockets and missiles. Israel is now developing three laser programs: a ground-based laser working as a supplement to Iron Dome, a maneuverable vehicle-mounted laser capable of protecting mobile forces, and an airborne version that could protect larger areas. While the development and production of the optics, mechanics and laser source for a single beam are admittedly expensive, the cost of a single laser shot is negligible. However, current technical realities present some limitations. While the laser beam would indeed reach the target at the speed of light, it would need to remain on the target for several seconds before destroying it. Moreover, while Iron Dome can launch a number of interceptors simultaneously, sending each one to a different target, a single laser could focus on only one target at a time. Consequently, this technology is currently ill-suited for countering salvos of aerial threats. Jacob Nagel is a former head of Israel's National Security Council and former national security adviser to the Israeli prime minister. Bradley Bowman is senior director for the Center on Military and Political Power at FDD. Maj. Liane Zivitski is an active duty U.S. Air Force intelligence officer.
2020-01-20 00:00:00
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