Katz says 'Israel' developing space-based laser weapons

• He says the program aims to strengthen 'Israel's' deterrence and offensive capabilities.
• Katz claimed no other country has comparable space attack systems.
• The announcement follows recent strikes on Iranian space-related facilities.

'Israel' is actively developing space lasers designed to conduct military attacks above the Earth, Defense Minister Israel Katz said during a briefing with military reporters on Monday.

The declaration marks the first time a senior 'Israeli' official has explicitly specified the development of space-based laser technology, framing it as a primary strategic objective for the nation's defense apparatus.

During the media briefing, Katz outlined the administration's vision for orbital warfare, noting that he and the prime minister have prioritized recruiting top scientific minds to realize the project.

"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," Katz stated. “If we achieve this, it will ensure the advantage of deterrence, of the ability to attack, destroy, and all of the other matters, versus our enemies with large resources.”

The announcement follows a related statement by Katz last Thursday regarding space-attack capabilities, though his latest remarks provide the first direct confirmation of the space laser component.

Global space context

Katz's assertion that no other nation possesses space-attack capabilities runs counter to established global military milestones.

Both Russia and China have previously executed successful anti-satellite operations, destroying their own test targets in space.

Due to the complications of space debris generated by kinetic strikes, many nations are currently developing alternative non-kinetic orbital techniques, including paralyzing, jamming, dragging, damaging, or utilizing lasers against satellites.

Foreign reports indicate that lasers could potentially be utilized to destroy adversarial satellites while simultaneously incinerating subsequent orbital debris.

The briefing appeared to reference Iran, following a war earlier this year during which 'Israel' struck several Iranian facilities linked to space warfare.

The targeted sites included infrastructure dedicated to developing anti-satellite capabilities. Observers note that maintaining an advantage in the space race remains critical for 'Israel' to prevent adversaries from targeting its own satellites and degrading its orbital surveillance assets.

It remains unverified whether Katz's public disclosure is also intended to deter external powers, such as Russia and China, from assisting Iran in its space programs.