Light Blade
Light Blade (Hebrew: להב אור, Lahav Or) is a laser-based air defense system to intercept airborne devices, such as incendiary balloons, incendiary kites, and miniature UAVs, and RAM (rocket, mortar, and artillery) threats. When first deployed in 2020, it was the first laser air defense system in the world.[1]
| Light Blade | |
|---|---|
| Type | Laser air defense system |
| Place of origin | Israel |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Israel Border Police |
| Wars | |
| Production history | |
| Designer | OptiDefense |
| Designed | 2010-2015 |
| Manufacturer | OptiDefense |
Development
Development was driven by the need for a cheaper missile defense alternative to the Iron Dome.[2]
The system is based on research involving engineers from Ben-Gurion University, the Israel Police, and the Research and Development Directorate of the Israel Defense Forces. Israel Border Police commission Yaakov Shabtai oversaw the system's development. It was officially revealed in 2019, with a claimed effective range of 2 kilometers.[1] Compared to the almost $50,000 cost per interception of the Iron Dome, an interception by the Light Blade costs approximately $3.50.[2]
Operational history
Light Blade was deployed operationally for the first time in August 2020 Israel Border Police in response to the launch of incendiary devices, such as explosive-laden balloons from the Gaza Strip, that caused brush fires in southern Israel.[1]
See also
References
- Saban, Itsik (2020-08-12). "Israel deploys first-of-its-kind laser system to Gaza border to fight incendiary balloons". Israel Hayom. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
- Staff (2020-01-09). "Israeli 'breakthrough' in laser defense will alter strategic reality". Israel Hayom. Retrieved 22 March 2023.