Gantz noted that the Israeli-made system is designed to complement a series of air defense systems such as the expensive Iron Dome deployed by Israel, which will be operational “soon.”
Gantz added that the goal is to deploy the laser-based system around Israel’s borders within the next decade. Tests were conducted last month in the Negev desert.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced in February that Israel would begin using the system within a year, to send a message to archenemy Iran.
Gantz said the laser-based system would be part of an “effective, inexpensive and innovative protection canopy.”
Israel has already developed or deployed a series of systems designed to intercept everything from long-range missiles to missiles launched just a few kilometers away. It also equipped its tanks with a missile defense system.
Little is known about the effectiveness of the laser system, but it is expected to be deployed on land, air and sea.
The announcement came about the approaching anniversary of the 11-day war between Israel and Gaza, during which the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in Gaza fired more than 4,000 missiles towards Israel.
Israel said the Iron Dome defense system was a huge success, with a 90 percent interception rate against incoming rocket fire. But officials say it is expensive to deploy the system, and that a system based on the new laser technology will be more cost-effective.
The Defense Ministry released a short video showing what it said were successful intercepts of rockets, mortars, and drones. The recording, which was largely edited and includes music, showed a laser beam emerging from a ground station, hitting targets and smashing them into small pieces.
Thursday’s announcement came as talks on restoring the nuclear deal with world powers, which Israel opposes, have faltered, saying is not enough to curb Iran’s nuclear program or its military activities across the region, and Israeli officials have said they will do what is necessary to protect the country.
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