Tel Aviv: The Israeli Ministry of Defence has awarded Elbit Systems a contract to develop laser weapon systems for fighter aircraft and helicopters.
Elbit Systems has developed the core laser engine for the Rafael Operational Iron Beam, and some years ago began testing an airborne laser.
Elbit Systems CEO, Bezhalel Machlis confirmed that last year, the Ministry of Defence contracted the company to develop a laser weapon pod to be carried by fighter aircraft and combat helicopters.
These systems, named XCalibur for fixed-wing aircraft and Sting for helicopters, aim to counter drones and missiles more effectively than ground-based options by operating above clouds, reducing atmospheric interference.
Elbit Systems gained a lot of experience by developing the core laser engine used in the Rafael Iron Beam system. The project builds on Israel’s operational ground-based Iron Beam laser, developed by Rafael with Elbit.
According to sources, Elbit Systems’ main challenge is the miniaturisation, cooling, and stabilisation of the pod mounted laser.
Last week, Elbit Systems CEO stated that these hurdles have been solved and that operational status can be expected soon.
He added that the high-power laser is more than just a weapon for defence and it has additional uses, without elaborating further.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
