Israel’s Iron Beam Laser Declared Operational

Israel’s high-energy laser interception system called the “Iron Beam” has officially reached operational capacity, according to Israeli officials. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Iron Beam is expected to add to Israel’s already top-tier air defense capability. Israel’s Defense Ministry confirmed the formidable new weapon will be ready for use by the military later this year, adding that its Directorate of Defense Research & Development, the Israeli Air Force, and the Rafael defense firm “successfully completed an advanced series of operational tests, which lasted several weeks, to demonstrate the capabilities of the high-power laser system.”

Earlier this summer, manufacturer Rafael debuted the Iron Beam at the Paris Air Show as part of its high-energy laser weapons systems. The Iron Beam 450, an enhanced variant of the beam; the Iron Beam M, a small and mobile variant of the interceptor; and the Lite Beam, a lightweight variant of the beam, were all showcased. The Iron Beam laser system can destroy projectiles at a range of roughly 10 kilometers. As detailed by Israel’s defense officials, this interception takes mere seconds. The futuristic weapon system can engage targets at the speed of light, with nearly zero cost per interception. Additionally, the beam interceptions are reported to cause minimal collateral damage. In all, this air defense apparatus should benefit the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) already unparalleled capabilities. The solid-state laser utilized a solid crystalline material to focus the beam, unlike the liquid or gas materials used by the majority of the chemical lasers conceptualized during the Cold War. Compared to the Iron Dome interceptors, which can range in cost from roughly $20,000-$1,000,000 each, the beam allegedly costs just $2 per interception.

Read more HERE.