A low-cost, high-power laser-based system aimed at destroying incoming missiles has successfully completed testing and will be ready for operational use by the military later this year, Israel's Defence Ministry said on Wednesday. (Image: Reuters)
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The Iron Beam 450 has proven effective during trials in intercepting rockets, mortars, aircraft and drones with "unmatched speed and precision". (Image: Reuters)
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Co-developed by Elbit Systems and Rafael Advance Defense Systems, Iron Beam 450 will complement Israel's Iron Dome, David's Sling and Arrow anti-missile systems, which have been used to intercept thousands of rockets fired by Hamas militants in Gaza, by Hezbollah from Lebanon and by the Houthis in Yemen. (Image: Reuters)
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Once deployed, the system will cost exponentially lesser than Israel's existing missile defenses. It will also deliver an extended range, and will significantly ramp up scalability across land, sea and air. (Image: Reuters)
Defense Minister Israel Katz saying the Iron Beam "places the State of Israel at the forefront of global military technology and makes the State of Israel the first country to possess this capability". (Image: X/@RAFAELdefense)
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The Iron Beam's laser heats up the target's shell, including its engine or warhead, until the projectile collapses, CNN reported. This differs from Israel's traditional means of destroying projectiles, where a radar identifies a threat and an interceptor missile engages and destroys it. (Image: X/@RAFAELdefense)
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After years in development, the ministry said it tested Iron Beam for several weeks in southern Israel and proved its effectiveness in a "complete operational configuration by intercepting rockets, mortars, aircraft, and UAVs across a comprehensive range of operational scenarios". The first systems are set to be integrated into the military's air defences by year-end, it said. (Image: X/@RAFAELdefense)
