Israel’s Air Force is expected to receive the cutting-edge Iron Beam laser weapon system by the end of December this year, marking a major leap in the country’s air-defense capabilities. Designed to intercept drones, UAVs, rockets and mortar shells, the Iron Beam has recently completed multiple successful operational tests.
The system’s developer, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, has described Iron Beam as the world’s first weapon of its kind to reach this level of operational maturity. Rafael Chairman Yuval Steinitz said the technology offers 'hope for making the impossible possible,' referring to its unprecedented accuracy, speed and cost-efficiency.
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In September, Israel’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the successful testing of the low-cost, high-power laser-based interception system and announced that it would be integrated into the military by the end of the year. Once deployed, Iron Beam will work alongside Israel’s existing air-defense network, including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow missile systems.
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Key features of the Iron Beam
Iron Beam is a ground-based, high-power laser air-defense system. It uses an advanced targeting mechanism that significantly increases its operational range. One of its most remarkable advantages is its extremely low cost per interception. Currently, neutralising a rocket through the Iron Dome system costs Israel at least USD 50,000 per shot. In contrast, an Iron Beam interception costs just USD 3-4.
The system is primarily designed to target short-range threats such as small rockets and drones. According to Rafael’s official website, Iron Beam can rapidly and effectively neutralise threats ranging from a few hundred meters to several kilometers. Because it operates at the speed of light and relies on electrical power, it essentially has an 'unlimited magazine.'
World’s first combat-ready laser shield
Israel’s Defense Ministry highlighted that this is the first time anywhere in the world that a high-power laser interception system has reached full operational readiness. Rafael’s chairman described Iron Beam as a 'game-changing system for modern warfare,' unlike anything previously deployed.