Lockheed Martin announced in a press release on Monday that a new directed laser air defense interceptor system has reached its 'first light' milestone. 

"Lockheed Martin achieved first light from the Directed Energy Interceptor for Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense System (DEIMOS) system, which verifies that the laser’s optical performance parameters align with the system design parameters," the release said, noting that the DEIMOS system is a rugged, tactical laser weapon system that can be added into the Stryker combat vehicle to boost directed energy capability to the US Army’s challenging maneuver-short range air defense (M-SHORAD) mission.

"The 50 kW-class laser weapon system brings another critical piece to help ensure the US Army has a layered air defense capability. DEIMOS has been tailored from our prior laser weapon successes to affordably meet the Army's larger modernization strategy for air and missile defense," the release said.

The statement added that the success of the DEIMOS first light demonstration lies in that it is intended to help the army in its mission to deliver a maneuverable laser system capable of taking down unmanned aerial systems, rotary-wing aircraft, rockets, artillery, and mortars.

Lockheed Martin joins development of Israeli laser anti-missile system

Israeli media outlet Haaretz reported on Monday that US arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin signed an agreement with Israeli Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to work on a joint project to produce a new high-energy laser weapon system (HELWS) that works as an air defense system.

The system will be manufactured in favor of both the United States and "Israel", in addition to other undisclosed countries, and will be called Iron beam.

In a press release, the heads of both companies said that, “this strategic teaming agreement serves as a force multiplier for Rafael and the Israeli market."

“We are working to ensure our customers receive the most advanced, effective and best-in-class systems. This agreement will expand and diversify the capabilities we can offer to a variety of customers.”

The Israeli outlet said that it is expected that within three years a functional system will be deployed on the border of the Gaza strip.

Rafael and Elbit Systems, two Israeli weapons manufacturers, have been working on developing laser systems for the interception of missiles and drones for a few years now.