HIMARS developer to begin making high energy laser weapons

Lockheed Martin, the defence manufacturing company that produces High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) for Ukraine, will begin developing High Energy Laser Weapon Systems (HELWS) intended for use in the United States.

The company announced on December 5 a deal with Israeli manufacturer Rafael Advanced defence Systems to develop, test and manufacture the HELWS. The defence system is based on Israel's Iron Beam system, which Ukraine has requested in its efforts to defend itself against Russian attacks, Newsweek reports.

The system is intended to knock out incoming attacks using only lasers, rather than using rockets. It is seen as a cheaper alternative to rockets, with former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennet saying it can shoot down targets at only $3.50 per shot, according to The National Interest.

Lockheed Martin could not say if HELWS would be usable in Ukraine, but it has produced HIMARS, which have been credited with turning the tide of the war in favor of Ukraine.

Instead, the company said in a press release that the variant will be developed "for the American market as well as others."

Israel's Iron Beam is set to be the first operational system for ground-based air defence, providing relief against rockets, mortars and unmanned aerial vehicles, Lockheed Martin said in a joint statement with Rafael. It delivers engagement "at the speed of light."

The companies said several tests conducted throughout the past year "proved the operational capability of the system."

Rafael CEO and retired President Major General Yoav Har-Even said in the statement the agreement will benefit the US and Israel.

"Over the last three decades, alongside the DDR&D and the Israeli Ministry of defence, RAFAEL has invested in laser research and development, resulting in IRON BEAM and we expect to become the first operational laser defence system of its kind. This serves as a clear example of Israeli-made capabilities leading to strategic cooperation which will greatly benefit both sides," he said.

Ukraine Requested Israel's Iron Beam Defence System

Ukraine this year requested Israel's Iron Beam defence systems to help bolster its defence efforts against Russia, even though it was not operational at the time.

The country's request came as Moscow, struggling to achieve substantial goals in Ukraine, pivoted to launching missile strikes against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure across the Eastern European nation, including in the capital city of Kyiv.

"Ukraine is high interested in obtaining from Israel (in shortest possible terms) defence systems, in particular: Iron Beam, Barak-8, Patriot, Iron Dome, David's Sling, Arrow Interceptor and Israeli support in training for Ukrainian operators," Ukraine's ministry of defence wrote in a letter to Israel.

A Lockheed Martin spokesperson told Newsweek on Monday that they were unable to provide more specific details about where else this defence system could be used, including if it could be sent to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has also pleaded with Israel to provide their Iron Dome defence system, which uses rockets to intercept incoming missile attacks. Israel has said the Iron Dome has a 90 percent success rate, but has declined to offer the technology to Ukraine.