Israel aims to develop space-based laser attack capability

Israel is seeking to develop the capability to carry out attacks from space using laser technology, Defence Minister Israel Katz said, outlining the country's ambitions to expand its military capabilities beyond Earth's atmosphere.

Speaking during a briefing with military reporters on June 29, Katz said Israel aims to become the world's leading country in offensive space capabilities, The Jerusalem Times reports.

“One of the central goals that the prime minister and I set is that we are recruiting the best minds,” he said. “As of today, no country has the ability to mount attacks in space. We must be the leading country in the world with this capability.”

Katz said such a capability would strengthen Israel's military deterrence.

“If we achieve this, it will ensure the advantage of deterrence, of the ability to attack, destroy, and all of the other matters, versus our enemies with large resources,” he added.

The remarks mark the first time Katz has specifically referred to space-based laser weapons. On June 25, he said Israel was committed to becoming the leading country in developing the ability to conduct attacks from space but did not mention laser technology.

Israel has already invested heavily in directed-energy weapons, including the Iron Beam, a ground-based laser air defence system designed to intercept rockets, drones and other aerial threats.

According to The Jerusalem Post, Israel is also working on technology that would enable fighter aircraft to fire laser weapons in the future.

Space-based laser systems could potentially be used to disable enemy satellites and destroy debris generated by attacks in orbit. There has also been speculation that Israel's Arrow 3 missile defence system could be capable of destroying satellites, although Israeli authorities have not confirmed such a capability.

By Sabina Mammadli