Rafael Completes Development on Iron Beam Laser for Israel
The R&D Unit within the Israel Ministry of Defense Directorate of Defense Research & Development, the Israeli Air Force (IAF), and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have successfully completed a series of tests lasting several weeks, demonstrating the capabilities of the Iron Beam high-power laser system, with Elbit Systems serving as a project partner manufacturing the laser source.
Rafael has completed development of the Iron Beam laser system, designed to counter aerial threats including rockets, mortars, and UAVs. Courtesy of Rafael.
The test series, conducted at a facility in southern Israel, concludes the development phase and represents the final milestone before delivering the system to the Israel Defense Force (IDF) for operational deployment. The system proved its effectiveness in a complete operational configuration by intercepting rockets, mortars, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across a comprehensive range of operational scenarios, according to Rafael. The successful trials, it said, mark a critical milestone towards operational deployment, with the first systems set to be integrated into the IDF air defense arrays by year-end.
Iron Beam is a ground-based high-power laser air defense system designed to counter aerial threats, including rockets, mortars, and unmanned aerial vehicles. It features an advanced targeting system that enables enhanced operational range, high precision, and superior efficiency while maintaining its unique advantage of rapidly neutralizing threats using laser technology at a low cost per shot. The R&D Unit within the Ministry’s Defense Directorate of Defense Research & Development has spearheaded the system’s development, working alongside primary developer Rafael.
The Iron Beam is expected to be integrated into Israel’s multi-layered defense array as a complementary capability to the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow air defense systems. The system utilizes Rafael’s adaptive optics technology to enable a stable, focused, and precise beam.
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Published: September 2025
Glossary
- directed energy
- Directed energy refers to a type of energy that is emitted and transferred in a controlled direction. The term is often associated with military and technological applications where energy, typically in the form of electromagnetic radiation, is focused and directed toward a specific target. Directed energy systems can take various forms, including lasers and high-power microwaves. The key characteristic is the intentional concentration of energy to achieve a desired effect on a target.
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BusinessLasersDirected EnergydefensemilitaryIRON BEAMIron DomeDavid’s SlingARROWair defensemissileinterceptRafaelElbit SystemsIsraelIDFIsraeli AirforceMiddle East