Tel Aviv: The Israeli ministry of defence is enhancing the purchase of air defence systems based on laser.
Elbit Systems was awarded an approximately $200 million contract by the Israeli Ministry of Defence (IMOD) to supply high-power laser systems for the “Iron Beam” air defence system. The Iron Beam system has been developed by Rafael and Elbit Systems has developed the laser generator of the system.
As per contract, Elbit Systems will supply the IMOD, under the “Iron Beam” project, its high-power laser solution, developed by the company to provide a robust defence against a variety of threats. Additionally, the contract includes ongoing support services.
Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems said, “As Israel’s Laser Centre and a global leader in high-power laser technology, Elbit Systems congratulates on the significant progress made in the “Iron Beam” project and is proud of its contribution to its success. The capabilities developed at Elbit Systems represent a leap forward in future defence against various threats.”
The Israel Ministry of Defence and the Israeli Air Force’s Air Defence Array are anticipating the deployment of the world’s first laser defence system, the Rafael-made Iron Beam, along Israel’s borders within approximately a year. The border regions adjacent to Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria are ideal operational zones for the laser system, which has been in development for nearly 20 years. The laser system will be integrated alongside the Iron Dome system, also developed by Rafael and operational since 2011.
The control and command algorithms of the Iron Dome will determine when to activate the lasers and when to launch the Iron Dome’s kinetic interceptors, known as Tamir missiles, as well as which type of Tamir missile to launch. Some Tamir interceptors are equipped with special cameras, while others are guided by radar to their target.
Like the Iron Dome, the laser system can intercept rockets, mortar shells, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and missiles. However, the laser system is intended to complement the Iron Dome rather than replace it. The Iron Dome generally succeeded in intercepting over 90% of the aerial threats fired from Gaza that are en route to Israeli communities. On October 7, 2023, the Israeli home front faced the launch of about 3,000 rockets in one day, fired by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The Iron Dome successfully intercepted many threats that day and in the days that followed.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
