Tel Aviv. Elbit Systems is in the advanced stages of the development of a laser-based system for intercepting missiles and rockets. In a conference call held after the publication of the results of the first quarter of 2021, the company stated that the system is expected to enter operational use within two to three years. Among other things, this depends on the approval of the defence budget of the State of Israel. Elbit estimates that when the budget is approved, it will be able to complete the development and begin production of an operational solution.

In a video released by the company last month, it presented the concept of the system: installing a powerful laser on the fore section of a UAV. According to Elbit, the company was selected by the ministry of defence to provide a laser-based solution that will protect Israel from missiles and rockets. This in addition to the operational Iron Dome systems manufactured by Rafael.

Elbit estimates that this technology is expected to be one of its growth engines in the coming years. An Elbit source said that the company has achieved a technological breakthrough which enables it to build an operational systems if the defence ministry funds the project.

-The writer is an International Roving Correspondent of the publication.