Mthel lights large missile.

The Northrop Grumman-built, and latest version of the Mobile Tactical High Energy Laser (Mthel) testbed destroyed a rocket that was larger, faster and that flew higher than previous threats destroyed by the laser weapon demonstrator. This historical test, which saw the destruction of the large-calibre rocket carrying a live warhead, was carried out for the US Army and the Israel Ministry of Defence. The Intercepted rocket was faster and had more mass than the Katyushas used since Mthel testing began in 2000. A more compact, mobile and easily transportable laser system, this Mthel prototype will give the Army its first deployable laser weapon system. The existing Mthel testbed was designed, developed and produced by a Northrop Grumman-led team of American and Israeli contractors for the US Space & Missile Defense Command and the Israel Ministry of Defence. Other American companies involved in the development of the testbed are Ball Aerospace and Brashear, while Israeli companies include Electro-Optic Indus tries, Israel Aircraft Industries, Rafael and Tadiran. To date, the Mthel testbed has destroyed 28 Katyusha rockets and five artillery shells in flight.