These weapons should complement the famous Israeli air defense system “Iron Dome”. It is unclear when the development will be completed.

iron beam

The Iron Dome defense system is widely known for its efficiency and ability to intercept missiles with an advanced radar tracking system. This development works successfully today. But it has some disadvantages. The missiles that are part of it cost more than $100,000 per shot and have problems with close threats at less than 4 kilometers.

• In contrast, Iron Beam is a fiber optic laser that can capture targets at the speed of light and destroy them in five seconds at a distance of up to 7 kilometers.
• How powerful the laser is is not yet known, but it is expected to reach a range of hundreds of kilowatts in the near future.
• In addition, each laser shot costs about a dollar, not counting the cost of equipment, and the amount of ammunition is not limited – as long as there is electricity.

Installation of Iron Beam during testing / Photo by Rafael

Completing the tests with a powerful laser is just the beginning of our vision. For the first time, we were able to intercept mortars, missiles and UAVs from such complex ranges and time intervals. The laser changes the rules of the game due to a simple control system and significant economic benefits. The next step is to continue the development and initial deployment of the system in Israel.
– says Brigadier General Jan Rotem, Head of Research and Development (DDR & D).

These tests are part of the first phase of a program run by Rafael and the Israel Ministry of Defense’s Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) to produce high-energy lasers capable of dealing with multiple threats, along with the Iron Dome.