The two defense powerhouse companies are reportedly working together to create a new laser weapon; Agreement: The companies will explore opportunities and technology implementations for developing a ground-based laser weapon system.
According to a recent report by The Jerusalem Post, Israel’s elite Rafael Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin out of the US have agreed to work together on a new project wherein they will manufacture a laser defense system. Rafael is the manufacturer for Israel’s notorious Iron Dome system, which had a 95% success rate during Israel’s 11-day volley with Hamas back in May.
Tim Cahill, Lockheed Martin’s senior vice president of global business development, said, “Israel’s defense challenges underscored the vital importance of increasing Israel’s capability to address rocket attacks.”
According to Lockheed, Rafael & Lockheed Martin will cooperate to create the new ground-based laser defense system and “also explore opportunities to market this system in the US”. They have already signed the agreement.
The statement says that “This agreement captures the commitment of Lockheed Martin and Rafael to work together with their respective governments to support this important collaborative opportunity… the companies will explore opportunities and technology implementations for developing a ground-based laser weapon system.”
Cahill also said, “We are honored to work with the Israeli government and industry to address this critical security need that will support Israel’s national security. Rafael is a world-class defense company, and we look forward to expanding our existing collaboration by leveraging our respective capabilities in high-energy laser systems to address this growing threat.”
Executive vice president of marketing and business development for Rafael, Ariel Karo, stated that the pursuit of a laser defense system “will widen our multi-layered air defense umbrella based on our wide mutual expertise and deep operational experience that is based on multi-disciplinary technologies and best-of-breed systems.”
Israel has already conducted many successful laser-based tests, which builds its confidence all the more when it comes to adding a laser defense system to its borders.
