Iron Beam

Why in news?

• Israel has successfully tested the new “Iron Beam” laser interception system.
• This is the world’s first energy-based weapons system that uses a laser to shoot down incoming UAVs, rockets & mortars

About Iron Beam:

• It is designed to complement a series of aerial defence systems, including the more costly rocket-intercepting.
• The Iron Beam's interceptions are silent, they're invisible.
• It is using Directed-Energy (DE) weapon system and can go a long way in providing aerial defence.
• A DE weapon is a system using DE primarily as a direct means to disable, damage or destroy adversary equipment, facilities, and personnel.
• Little is known about the laser system's effectiveness, but it is expected to be deployed on land, in the air and at sea.
• It is an effective, accurate, easy-to-operate tool that is significantly cheaper than any other existing means of protection.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

‘Iron Beam’, world’s first energy-based weapons system that uses a laser to shoot down incoming UAVs, rockets and mortars, is developed by:

(a) Israel

(b) United States

(c) Russia

(d) China

Answer