https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-speeds-roll-out-laser-based-defence-systems-bennett-says-2022-02-01/ Skip to main content Skip to floating mini video Reuters home * World * Business * Legal * Markets * More Sign In Register Menu February 1, 20226:19 PM UTCLast Updated ago Middle East Israel speeds roll-out of laser interceptors for thriftier defence, Bennett says By Dan Williams * * * * * 2 minute read Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett chairs the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Israel December 12, 2021. Tsafrir Abayov/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett chairs the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Israel December 12, 2021. Tsafrir Abayov/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register JERUSALEM, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Israel is accelerating the roll-out of laser-based interceptors as part of a plan to surround itself with such technologies and reduce the high costs currently incurred when shooting down aerial threats, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Tuesday. Lifting the veil on prototype interceptors that would use lasers to super-heat incoming drones or the kinds of rockets favoured by Iran-backed guerrillas, Israeli defence officials predicted last June such systems would be ready for action in 2025. read more But Bennett announced a dramatically shortened timeline. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register "Within a year already the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) will bring into action a laser-based interception system, first experimentally, and later operationally, first in the south, then in other places," he said in a speech. Gaza, from which Hamas and other militant groups have regularly shelled Israeli border towns, is to the south. "And this will enable us, as the years advance, to surround Israel with a wall of lasers which will protect us from missiles, rockets, UAVs and other threats," he told Tel Aviv University's Institute for National Security Studies. Bennett was speaking about Israel's efforts to counter what it sees as Iranian efforts to encircle it with guerrillas capable of paralyzing its infrastructure with relatively inexpensive barrages. The laser system would be an addition to Israel's current air defences based on Iron Dome, David's Sling and Arrow - systems that launch interceptor missiles costing tens of thousands of dollars to millions of dollars each. "The equation will be overturned - they will invest much, and we little," Bennett said. "If we can intercept a missile or rocket with an electrical pulse that costs a few dollars, we will essentially neutralize the ring of fire that Iran has set up ... This new generation of air defence can also serve our friends in the region, who are also exposed to grave threats from Iran and its proxies. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Andrea Ricci Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. More from Reuters Daily Briefing Subscribe to our daily curated newsletter to receive the latest exclusive Reuters coverage delivered to your inbox. Sign up Site Index Browse * World * Business * Legal * Markets * Breakingviews * Technology * Investigations * Lifestyle About Reuters * About Reuters * Careers * Reuters News Agency * Brand Attribution Guidelines * Reuters Leadership * Reuters Fact Check * Reuters Diversity Report Stay Informed * Download the App * Newsletters Information you can trust Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the world's largest multimedia news provider, reaching billions of people worldwide every day. Reuters provides business, financial, national and international news to professionals via desktop terminals, the world's media organizations, industry events and directly to consumers. Follow Us * * * * * Thomson Reuters Products * Westlaw Build the strongest argument relying on authoritative content, attorney-editor expertise, and industry defining technology. * Onesource The most comprehensive solution to manage all your complex and ever-expanding tax and compliance needs. * Checkpoint The industry leader for online information for tax, accounting and finance professionals. Refinitiv Products * Refinitiv Workspace Access unmatched financial data, news and content in a highly-customised workflow experience on desktop, web and mobile. * Refinitiv Data Catalogue Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historical market data and insights from worldwide sources and experts. * Refinitiv World-Check Screen for heightened risk individual and entities globally to help uncover hidden risks in business relationships and human networks. * Advertise With Us * Advertising Guidelines * Cookies * Terms of Use * Privacy * Digital Accessibility * Corrections * Site Feedback All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. (c) 2022 Reuters. All rights reserved