Overview

• Israel’s Defense Ministry and Rafael said weeks of trials in southern Israel concluded with successful interceptions of rockets, mortars, aircraft and UAVs in a complete operational configuration.
• The first systems are slated for integration into IDF air-defense arrays by the end of 2025, moving the program from R&D to delivery.
• The laser layer is intended to complement Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow by handling short-range threats at an estimated cost of only a few dollars per shot versus tens of thousands for missiles.
• The fielded Iron Beam 450 is a ground-based, roughly 100 kW system with adaptive optics and an engagement range around 10 km, with officials noting limits tied to weather, line-of-sight and required lock time.
• Backed by reported IMOD production funding of about $500 million and related Elbit contracts, the system’s Hebrew name was changed to Or Eitan in memory of Cpt. Eitan Oster.