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Israel has used an airborne laser to shoot down drones in a series of tests, officials said Monday, calling it a 'milestone' for its already powerful defence systems.
During the tests, a prototype of the high-power laser system carried on a small civilian plane 'successfully intercepted several [drones]', said Yaniv Rotem, head of the defence ministry's research and development unit.
The system could down any flying object, including 'drones, mortars, rockets, ballistic missiles,' Rotem said, adding they hoped to have a working prototype in 'three to four years'.
It means that, at least in theory, the laser system could be used as part of Israel's Iron Dome system which is effective but expensive to use.
Israel says it has used a laser mounted on an aircraft to shoot down drones at a distance of 3ft, but hope the weapon can be upgraded to fire over a distance of 12 miles
Footage released by the Israeli MoD shows the laser burning holes in drones which then crash to the ground during tests 'in the last week'
A video released by the Israelis showed the
