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

Israel's ground-breaking laser system experiment carried out in the south of the country by the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Research and Development (DDR&D, or MAFAT in Hebrew) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. (photo credit: DEFENSE MINISTRY)
Israel’s ground-breaking laser system experiment carried out in the south of the country by the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Research and Development (DDR&D, or MAFAT in Hebrew) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. (photo credit: DEFENSE MINISTRY)

 

The Defense Ministry’s laser interception system project will be presented to US President Joe Biden during his visit to Israel, according to sources from the ministry and the IDF on Thursday.

Laser show for Biden

The presentation of the system will be at Palmachim Airbase alongside the Iron Dome. The new laser defense system, according to estimates, is expected to come into use within a few years at one of the country’s borders and protect against rockets, missiles, and unmanned aircraft.

IDF sources said that it was no secret that the Defense Ministry was looking for partners for the project, which will have a high cost. Talks have already been held between the ministry, the IDF and the US Defense Department on the laser project.

Israel’s military is also interested in deepening its ties with the US military in general.

US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on administration plans to fight inflation and lower costs during a speech in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building's South Court Auditorium at the White House in Washington, U.S., May 10, 2022. (credit: REUTERS/LEAH MILLIS)
US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on administration plans to fight inflation and lower costs during a speech in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building’s South Court Auditorium at the White House in Washington, U.S., May 10, 2022. (credit: REUTERS/LEAH MILLIS)

 

Background on laser systems

Israel had carried out successful laser interception trials in April. The experiments were done in Israel’s South by the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Research and Development (DDR&D) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

The laser system, referred to as the “Iron Beam,” was shown to be capable of intercepting a number of aerial targets in trial runs — which included aerial vehicles, mortars and rockets.

As reported by The Jerusalem Post