Aerial threat interceptor

Northrop Grumman Corp. says it has developed a laser-based air defense system that can destroy incoming short-range ballistic missiles, short- and long-range rockets, artillery shells, mortars, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. The system, called Skyguard, is based on a tactical high energy laser (THEL) testbed the company developed for the U.S. and Israeli militaries. Skyguard has higher power and a larger beam than previous systems, making it much more capable according to Northrop Grumman.

A single system can defend military forces, a large military installation, or large civilian populations and facilities such as airports. Each can provide protection to an area of about 10 km (just over 6 miles) in diameter. The system is modular in design, which means it can accommodate future laser and beam control technologies as they are developed.