Israeli laser missile defense works
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As long as you have electricity, you have laser beams to fire again and again at incoming threats.
Swarms of approaching missiles can’t overwhelm the number of interceptors you have on hand, and there’s no need to worry about resupply — the kind of resupply the United States is now providing Israel.
Of course, it only works to protect the population if the technology is mature and the systems can really be fielded.
That has not been true until now, but progress is swift.
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As she explained, “there’s so many advantages of having a potential directed-energy engagement system — give the warfighter additional engagement opportunities, save interceptors, lower cost per engagement. So lots of great potential for directed energy.”
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High-energy lasers traveling at the speed of light and costing no more per shot than the cost of the electric power needed mean an endless supply and far lower expense.
Today, Israel can be forced to spend thousands or tens of thousands of dollars to shoot down Hamas rockets that cost $600 each.
With lasers, the balance of costs all of a sudden will favor the defender, not the aggressor.
Neither Israel nor the United States has conquered all the obstacles to fielding laser defense weapons widely; first comes the technology, then the need to manufacture the systems and get them into the field.
Israel took a leap forward this past week, actually using a laser weapon in combat to shoot down a Hamas rocket.
No doubt Hezbollah and Iran are watching and worrying.
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This looks like a great leap forward in defeating enemy missiles. The cost savings are also remarkable. Israel is the immediate beneficiary of the development, but the US will also be able to increase its defense posture at lower costs.
See also:
And:
Iran celebrates new hypersonic missile amid new threats by its proxies against US, allies
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