IDF plans laser interceptor Iron Beam for short-range rockets

The IDF plans to deploy a new missile shield known as Iron Beam next year, which would use a laser to blow up short-range rockets and mortar bombs, a defense industry official said Sunday.

The system is designed to deal with threats that fly on too small a trajectory to be engaged efficiently by Iron Dome, the Israeli interceptor credited with an 80 percent success rate against rockets fired by Palestinian terrorists. (Reuters)