New Delhi (NVI): Israeli defence manufacturer Rafael recently tested its counter-UAS system Drone Dome, which can identify and intercept moving targets using a high-powered laser beam.
Drone Dome is a counter unmanned air system anti-aircraft system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, which consists of electronic jammers and sensors to detect, identify and neutralize both micro and mini-UAVs.
The demonstration was carried out in a desert area with several types of drones, including commercially available quadcopters, Israel Defense magazine reported.
A high-powered laser beam mounted on a jeep, along with the other Drone Dome sensors, detected the threat and enabled the crew to monitor its activity. A three-drone swarm was then neutralized using the lasers. One by one the drones fell from the sky.
The Israeli defence manufacturer exhibited seven drones that were destroyed by the laser. Burned impact areas showed their rotors and motors charred.
Small drones have proven to be a challenge for advanced militaries. In 2018, drones shut down Gatwick airport in the U.K. for about 30 hours, the defense magazine reported.
Small drones have also been used by militant organizations, such as the Islamic State group. And more than a dozen drones damaged oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia in September 2019.
Drone Dome is one of Rafael’s numerous multilayered air defense systems. It also makes the land-based Iron Dome and a naval variant, C-Dome, as well as SPYDER, a surface-to-air missile system designed to counter aircraft, helicopters and UAVs.
