Egypt unveils new laser system to intercept drones in Sinai

Israeli media outlets specialising in military affairs have reported the appearance of a new Egyptian laser system during Second Field Army exercises in Sinai, highlighting its ability to intercept drones and comparing it with similar systems worldwide.

The Israeli platform Nziv Net reported that the Egyptian laser system, named EGY-HEL 01, was officially unveiled this month during live-fire exercises conducted by Egypt’s Second Field Army. The name is likely an abbreviation for Egyptian High-Energy Laser, version one, it said.

The platform said the system was designed to intercept drones, primarily providing short-range air defence against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), small drones and projectiles.

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It added that the system was developed for installation on light vehicles, such as pick-up trucks or light tracked vehicles, allowing it to move quickly, change positions easily and operate alongside field units and ground forces to protect them from low-altitude threats.

The system was likely developed and manufactured locally in Egypt by the Egyptian army’s Technical Research Centre, the platform said.

It added that the system was cost-effective because it reduces reliance on expensive air defence missiles to intercept low-cost targets, helping preserve stocks of conventional ammunition.

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