The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have received the first operational high-power laser interception system, Iron Beam, as announced by the Israel Ministry of Defense (MoD). Defense Minister Israel Katz described the delivery as a "historic moment," stating that it represents the first time globally that a high-power laser interception system has reached operational maturity.
He added that it is a game-changer and sends a clear message to all our enemies: do not test us. For his part, MoD Director General Amir Baram noted that the delivery marks the transition from development to serial production, characterizing the first operational system as only the beginning of the technological revolution. He also emphasized that it is expected to significantly strengthen both Israel's defensive capabilities and the cost balance between threats and expensive interceptors.
After decades
Iron Beam was first presented in 2014, following decades of development by the Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. The system was declared operational in September, after the completion of development and final testing.
Subsequently, on December 1, it was announced that the first operational system would be delivered to the IDF before the end of the year.
Iron Beam will operate under the responsibility of the air force and will be integrated into the country's multi-layered air defense system. It will not replace existing missile-based systems but will function complementarily to them.
The technical specifications of the system remain classified; however, its range is estimated to reach approximately ten kilometers. According to Israel, the system has successfully intercepted rockets, mortar shells, and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) during extensive testing.
Its cost is reported to amount to tens of millions of dollars per unit, while the cost of intercepting a drone can be limited to just a few dollars. In May, the Israeli MoD and the IDF revealed that the air force intercepted dozens of Hezbollah drones using a smaller version of Iron Beam.
Laser-based air defense systems offer high precision, speed, and low cost per engagement while reducing dependence on ammunition, making them particularly suitable for countering unmanned aerial threats.
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