Israel’s ‘Iron Beam’ laser defense system wraps up final tests before operational use

Israel’s laser-based air defense system has reached full operational capability and is expected to be integrated into the country’s screen against missiles, drones and enemy aircraft by the end of the year, Israeli officials said.

Dubbed “Iron Beam,” the air defense system features advanced targeting that provides increased operational precision and range while rapidly neutralizing threats using laser technology and “negligible costs.”

The Israel Defense Forces’ research and development department spearheaded the development of Iron Beam, working alongside Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an Israeli defense technology company.

According to the IDF, more than 26,000 rockets, missiles and drones have been launched at Israel from multiple fronts since the start of the war in Gaza in 2023. Defense Minister Israel Katz said the deployment of Iron Beam will “change the threat equation.”

“Achieving operational laser interception capability places the State of Israel at the forefront of global military technology and makes Israel the first nation to possess this capability,” Mr. Katz said Wednesday in a statement.

Iron Beam proved its effectiveness in a complete operational configuration by intercepting rockets, mortars, aircraft and drones across a range of operational scenarios, Rafael officials said.

“The high-power laser system will integrate within Israel’s multi-layered defense array, further enhancing multi-layered integration with additional missile interceptors through optimal cost-effectiveness and leveraging relative advantages against threat types, ranges, and environmental conditions,” Maj. Gen. Amir Baram, director general of the Israel Ministry of Defense, said in a statement.

Israel’s current air defenses consist of the Arrow 2 and 3 systems, which are designed to intercept medium and long-range ballistic missiles at higher altitudes; the medium-range David’s Sling, which is similar to the U.S. Patriot system; and Iron Dome, a mobile, all-weather system developed by Israel to intercept and destroy short-range rockets, mortars and artillery shells.

“We’ve reached the stage where high-power laser systems are integral to Israel’s air defense array,” said Brig. Gen. Yehuda Elmakayes, the head of the IDF’s research and development unit. “Iron Beam will be the first step toward integrating directed energy weapons across all IDF defense and maneuvering systems.”