Overview
- Israel’s Defense Ministry and Rafael announced delivery of the initial operational Iron Beam unit on Dec. 28, moving the program from trials to field deployment and paving the way for mass production.
- The high-energy laser uses electro‑optical tracking to disable aerial threats and will be phased into Israel’s multi‑layer network alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow.
- Officials emphasize sharply lower per‑engagement costs—described as comparable to switching on a lightbulb—and a high engagement tempo intended to help counter saturation attacks.
- Rafael and the ministry detail multiple versions: a standard ~100 kW system for fixed sites, the mobile Iron Beam M, and a ~10 kW Lite Beam for short‑range protection.
- Authorities say Israeli laser systems previously downed nearly 40 Hezbollah drones in October 2024, as leaders including Israel Katz, Amir Baram and Tomer Bar hailed the system’s combat-proven readiness and IAF operation.