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Israel’s New $1.2 Billion Laser Will Be Nearly Unstoppable—And America Wants One, Too

This air-defense system never runs out of ammunition and can destroy threats up to 4.3 miles away.

A $1.2 billion U.S. aid package will help fund deployment of Iron Beam, Israel’s one-of-a-kind, high-power laser system designed to knock down missiles, rockets, and drones. Interceptions often take place over populated areas, and the Iron Dome’s supersonic Tamir interceptor missiles weigh 200 pounds each; an engine failure or misfire could cause serious damage as a result. But an MSN piece states “feedback from soldiers thus far indicates significant disparities between laboratory and test range results and actual tactical deployment.” That’s military speak for: “it doesn’t work like it’s supposed to.”

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