Light Blade
TypeLaser air defense system
Place of originIsrael
Service history
Used byIsrael Border Police
Wars
Production history
DesignerOptiDefense
Designed2010–2015
ManufacturerOptiDefense
Helium balloons bearing flammable materials launched from Bureij in the Gaza Strip

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 such as quadcopters, and RAM (rocket, artillery, and mortar) threats. When first deployed in 2020, it was the first laser air defense system in the world.[1]

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] Light blade succeeded with almost 100% of interceptions but because of its low range, Hamas managed to send balloons from other areas of the Gaza Strip.[3]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 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.
  2. 1 2 Staff (2020-01-09). "Israeli 'breakthrough' in laser defense will alter strategic reality". Israel Hayom. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  3. ↑ Ariel Amir, Tal (26 August 2020). "'Light Blade' laser system intercepts nearly 100% of Hamas balloons in its sector". IsraelHayom.
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