Israel announced today, Saturday, that the "Iron Beam" laser missile interception system has been deployed for the first time during the current war since its development began. The deployment was revealed by the head of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and former minister Yuval Steinitz during a press conference in Be'er Sheva.
The "Iron Beam," a high-power laser developed by Rafael, is designed to intercept short-range missiles and shells. It was initially slated for deployment in 2025, aiming to complement the existing Iron Dome missile defense system in Israel. However, accelerating the timeline may not be feasible due to the requirements of integrating the laser with the current defense system.
Rafael states that the "Iron Beam" is designed to intercept a wide range of threats, including drones, which can be engaged from a few hundred meters to several kilometers away. The system utilizes an unlimited ammunition stockpile and can be integrated into multiple platforms "to neutralize a wide range of threats with extreme precision" while minimizing collateral damage and safeguarding civilians and military personnel at the same time, according to its proponents.
While the Iron Dome has a limited power capacity because it fires missiles in response to attacks, the advantage of the Iron Beam is that it does not run out of ammunition. According to Rafael, the "Iron Beam" can intercept threats at distances of several kilometers. Unlike a missile that explodes upon impact, the laser requires several seconds of contact with an object to generate enough energy to destroy it.
Concerns that still occupy the minds of the manufacturers of the Iron Beam include the possibility that some missiles or shells may be encased in heat-resistant materials, which could render the new system ineffective.
