"American coproduction would ultimately give the American authorities the ability to delay or even halt supplies"

I

srael is on the verge of developing a laser system known as “Iron Beam.” Unlike the Iron Dome, which fires expensive interceptors that must constantly be replenished, Iron Beam — if its capabilities are not being exaggerated — could be the game-changer that seals Israel hermetically against incoming missiles and rockets.

The US is considering helping Israel to pay for and co-produce the Iron Beam, which sounds alluring , but according to Dr. Aaron Lerner, author of the weekly blog Independent Media Review and Analysis (IMRA), Israel would be making a “terrible mistake” to agree.

“Involving the US will prolong the development, it won’t save money, and it will restrict Israel from competing with American companies in the world markets,” Dr. Lerner wrote.

He cited a senior figure in the Israeli military industry, who said, “Analyzing many comparable systems, one can safely state that it takes one-tenth of the cost and one-third of the time for the Israeli defense industry to develop a similar, if not better, performing system. This was the case with the Israeli PHALCON early warning aircraft compared with the US E-2C, or the US Patriot [compared] to Iron Dome.”

While expressing respect for the US military-industrial complex, the source contends that the strict methodology and risk awareness that suits America’s defense needs would only handcuff Israel.

Dr. Lerner agrees. “American coproduction would ultimately give the American authorities the ability to delay or even halt supplies,” he adds. “Such a move could be in the service of perceived American interests or in reaction to Israeli activities that the White House isn’t happy about.”

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 916)