Russian-Spanish laser system demonstrated at international show

FARNBOROUGH, July 18 (Itar-Tass) - A laser system for protection of large aircraft is for the first time demonstrated at the joint exhibition stand of Rosoboroneksport and the Spanish company Indra at the aerospace show Farnborough 2008.
The system was developed by Russia and Spain.
The laser system effectively protects civilian airliners and military transport planes from portable anti-aircraft systems (PAS).
Rosoboronekport and the chief contractor of the project, the research institute Ekran (Samara), and the company Indra are participants in the project.
"The appearance of this system on markets is very timely, as the
problem of protection from PAS from Igla, Strela, Stinger and other types of missiles has become very important recently because of a higher terrorist danger," the deputy director general of Ekran, Alexander Kisletsov, to ARMS-TASS.
"This is the sole example of Russia's military-technical cooperation with a NATO country in the high-technology field in technical countercheck of terrorism," Kisletsov said,
He said the "system operates in sensitivity ranges of old missiles
Strela, new type Stinger and others, which is very important, as both new and outdated PAS may get in the hands of terrorists".
The laser system can divert an attacking missile from its course
within a second, after which it can immediately begin suppressing other missiles fired at a plane.
"In a nearest time we plan test flights of the laser system. They will continue for about a half-year, after which it is planned to get a European certificate," Kisletsov said.
Talks with potential customers have begun.