Israel has set its sights on becoming the first country to deploy a laser weapon system capable of striking from outer space.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said the technology would strengthen Israel’s deterrence, even against what he described as “enemies with large resources.”
“One of the central goals that the prime minister and I set is that we are recruiting the best minds,” he said, as quoted by The Jerusalem Post.
“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.”
While details remain limited, space-based laser weapons could one day target hostile satellites, intercept threats, or help remove orbital debris. Katz did not provide a timeline for the effort.
Israel’s Iron Beam directed-energy weapon could serve as a foundation for the concept, with reports suggesting Rafael and Elbit Systems are exploring ways to adapt the ground-based system for use in orbit.
Separate reports have also claimed the country is developing laser weapons for fighter jets, while its Arrow 3 missile defense system has been speculated to have anti-satellite reach.
The Race Beyond Earth
Although Katz said no country currently has the ability to conduct attacks from space, several nations have been advancing technologies with potential military applications.
China, for example, has reportedly invested in directed-energy research, including concepts for space-based laser weapons designed to target satellites or other orbital assets.
Meanwhile, Russia has long been linked to reports of a space-based weapon designed to disrupt entire satellite constellations using powerful energy pulses rather than direct strikes.
