Israel is developing space-based laser weapons capable of launching strikes from orbit, Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced, outlining the country's ambition to become a global leader in next-generation military technology.

Katz said Israel is bringing together the country's "best minds" to advance the project and establish a strategic advantage in space-based defense capabilities, The Caspian Post reports via The Jerusalem Post.

"If we succeed, it will give us an advantage in deterrence, attack capabilities, destruction, and every other aspect compared to our enemies, even those with greater resources," Katz said.

The defense minister previously stated on June 25 that Israel is determined to become a leading nation with the capability to conduct strikes from space.

Israel has already pioneered laser-based air defense with the Iron Beam system, which entered service with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) late last year. The ground-based laser is designed to intercept rockets, drones, and mortar shells, making it the world's first operational laser air defense platform of its kind.

Israel is also developing an airborne laser system that could be mounted on military aircraft, further expanding its directed-energy defense capabilities.