Israel is surrounded by a number of hostile neighbors but this small country has managed to hold its own despite being the target of terrorist attacks from time to time.
In 2002, a surface-to-air missile attack by terrorists on its passenger jet in Mombasa, Kenya, sparked a debate on how Israel’s airlines could best protect themselves against these attacks in future.
Though these missiles missed the target and none of the 250 passengers were hurt, the development of futuristic missile defense system ‘SkyShield’ was ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as a direct result of the incident.
Sky Shield’ missile defense system is ready for commercial planes
Recently, Israel’s Ministry of Defense announced that a commercial version of SkyShield, C-MUSIC, has completed testing and is ready to be mounted on the underbellies of all El Al airliners.
C-MUSIC is an acronym for The Multi-Spectral Infrared Countermeasure. This missile defense system is developed by Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems.
The SkyShield system is based on advanced laser technology
It uses laser technology and a thermal camera to deflect incoming missiles. It works by firing a laser at missiles which disrupts the missile’s navigation system and detonates it in an instant.
Though the missile defense system was primarily developed for Israeli airlines, Elbit says it already has contracts from a number of countries around the world.
