Iron Beam: Rafael’s laser defense ready for deployment
Israel to field Iron Beam as part of its multi-layered air defense by late 2025.
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Israel has declared the Iron Beam high-energy laser system fully mature and ready for operational deployment. The Ministry of Defense, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems confirmed the conclusion of a comprehensive test campaign that clears the system for immediate integration into the IDF’s Aerial Defense Array, with the first units scheduled for delivery before the end of 2025.
The series of trials, conducted in southern Israel over several weeks, validated the system in a complete operational configuration, successfully intercepting rockets, mortars, UAVs, and aircraft across representative scenarios. This achievement positions Israel as the first country in the world to field an operational high-energy laser defense system, marking a strategic milestone in modern warfare.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated: “Achieving operational laser interception capability places the State of Israel at the forefront of global military technology and makes Israel the first nation to possess this capability. This is not only a moment of national pride, but a historic milestone for our defense envelope: rapid, precise interception at marginal cost that joins our existing defense systems and changes the threat equation. I thank all the people in the defense establishment who brought us to this moment. This achievement is theirs, and the people of Israel have much to be proud of. Our enemies from Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, and other arenas should know: just as we are strong in defense, we are strong in offense – and we will do everything to protect the security of Israeli citizens.”
The Iron Beam is a ground-based HELWS (High Energy Laser Weapon System) conceived as a complement to missile-based interceptors. It will integrate into Israel’s multi-layered air defense architecture, alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow. Based on Rafael’s adaptive optics technology, the system delivers a stable and precise beam with negligible cost per shot and a virtually unlimited magazine, offering a decisive logistical advantage over traditional interceptors.
Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, Director General of the Ministry of Defense, emphasized: “Today marks the completion of our high-power laser system development – a historic milestone for Israel’s defense establishment and defense industries. This is the first time in the world that a high-power laser interception system has reached full operational maturity, completing numerous interceptions across various simulated operational scenarios. The high-power laser system will integrate within Israel’s multi-layered defense array, further enhancing multi-layered integration with additional missile interceptors through optimal cost-effectiveness and leveraging relative advantages against threat types, ranges, and environmental conditions.”
The system had already seen limited operational use earlier this year. In May, Rafael confirmed that Iron Beam prototypes had been deployed in combat during Operation Iron Swords, intercepting drones and rockets under live conditions. That milestone marked the first-ever use of a HELWS in actual warfare, foreshadowing the step now formalized with full operational readiness.
Brig. Gen. Yehuda Elmakayes, Head of the R&D Unit at DDR&D, explained: “Completing the Iron Beam capability demonstration marks the dawn of the era of widespread laser systems. After years of development and engineering led by our R&D Unit, in partnership with the IAF, Rafael, Elbit, and our defense industries, we’ve reached the stage where high-power laser systems are integral to Israel’s air defense array. Through the R&D Unit’s leadership at the DDR&D, Iron Beam will be the first step toward integrating directed energy weapons across all IDF defense and maneuvering systems.”
From Rafael, the achievement was described as a disruptive breakthrough.
Dr. Yuval Steinitz, Chairman of Rafael, stated: “Rafael is the first and only company worldwide to successfully transform high-power laser technology into a fully mature, operational interception system capable of intercepting missiles and UAVs. We’re immensely proud of Rafael’s leadership in this operational and technological breakthrough. Today’s complex trial results prove that the talented team behind the Iron Dome is again revolutionizing warfare with what we call the ‘Laser Dome.’ Rafael’s laser system, built on our proprietary adaptive optics technology, will undoubtedly be a game-changing system with unprecedented impact on modern warfare.”
With the imminent delivery of Iron Beam systems to the IDF, Israel is set to become the first nation worldwide to operationally field a high-energy laser defense weapon, consolidating a technological leap with significant strategic implications.
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