Israel has declared its first high-power laser defense system, Iron Beam, operational after a decade of development and final rounds of testing. The system, co-developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems, is set to be delivered to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) by the end of this year.
According to Times of Israel, Defense Minister Israel Katz called the development 'a historic milestone' that puts Israel at the forefront of global military technology. Unlike traditional interceptors, which cost at least $50,000 each, lasers can shoot down projectiles at negligible cost, provided there is a steady energy supply.
From Iron Dome to Iron Beam
Iron Beam is not designed to replace Israel’s existing air defense systems like Iron Dome, David’s Sling, or Arrow. Instead, it complements them. Lasers will focus on intercepting smaller threats such as drones, mortars, and short-range rockets, leaving larger ballistic missiles to the missile-based batteries.
“This is the first time in the world that a high-power laser interception system has reached full operational maturity,” said Amir Baram, Director-General of Israel’s Defense Ministry. Rafael Chairman Yuval Steinitz described it as “a game-changing system with unprecedented impact on modern warfare.”
Tested under combat-like conditions
According to the ministry cited by Times of Israel, the Iron Beam underwent several weeks of advanced testing in southern Israel. The trials demonstrated successful interception of rockets, drones, mortars, and even low-flying aircraft across a range of scenarios.
Officials highlighted one key advantage: unlike missile-based interceptors, laser systems don’t run out of ammunition. As long as there’s power, they can keep firing. The downside, however, is that lasers struggle in poor weather conditions such as cloud cover, fog, or sandstorms.
Symbolic renaming: Or Eitan
In a symbolic gesture, Times of Israel reported, the Defense Ministry renamed the system Or Eitan, 'Eitan’s light,' in memory of Captain Eitan Oster, a 22-year-old commando killed in southern Lebanon in October 2024. Oster’s father, who works for the ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development, was closely involved in the project’s development.
Beyond the battlefield: air, sea, and land
Rafael has also revealed upgraded and mobile versions of the system. These include:
Iron Beam 450: a higher-powered variant
Iron Beam M: a compact, truck-mounted version for ground forces or site protection
Lite Beam: a lightweight version mountable on armored vehicles
Maritime version: designed for deployment on Navy ships
Elbit Systems CEO Bezhalel Machlis added that the company is working on airborne laser applications, which could bring a “strategic change” in air defense capabilities.
The announcement comes amid ongoing conflicts with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthi forces, where Israel has faced waves of rocket and drone attacks. A lower-powered version of Iron Beam was already used to shoot down around 35 Hezbollah drones last year.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
