Haifa / Tel Aviv: Following a complex development process, the Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD) Directorate of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems delivered the first Iron Beam laser system to the IDF on December 27.
The official ceremony was held at Rafael’s headquarters in northern Israel. The ceremony was attended by Defense Minister, Israel Katz; IMOD Director General, Maj Gen (Res.) Amir Baram; Head of the DDR&D, Brig Gen (Res.) Dr Daniel Gold; Israeli Air Force (IAF) Commander, Maj Gen Tomer Bar; Rafael Chairman, Dr Yuval Steinitz; Rafael President and CEO, Yoav Tourgeman; Elbit Systems President and CEO Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis; and other defence officials.
The system, which proved its effectiveness in an extensive series of tests against various threats and successfully intercepted rockets, mortars, and UAVs, will be integrated into the IAF and incorporated into Israel’s multi-layered aerial defence array as a complementary capability to the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems.
The Iron Beam system represents a global technological and engineering breakthrough – a high-power laser system designed to counter various aerial threats. The system features an advanced laser source and a unique electro-optical targeting system, enabling the interception of a wide range of targets at an enhanced operational range, with maximum precision and superior efficiency – all at a negligible marginal cost, which constitutes the laser system’s primary advantage.
The R&D unit within the Ministry’s DDR&D has spearheaded the system’s development in recent years, working alongside the primary contractor, Rafael. Additional partners include Elbit Systems, which is responsible for the laser source, as well as other defence industries, including SCD and Shafir Systems.
IMOD Director General, Maj Gen (Res.) Amir Baram said that the delivery of the first Iron Beam system to the IAF, with numerous additional systems already in production, marks the completion of our initial phase – the transition from development to serial manufacturing.
”This represents only the beginning of a technological revolution. Even as production continues, we are already advancing the development of next-generation defence systems for land and air deployment. Iron Beam now adds another layer to Israel’s multi-layered defence architecture and is expected to dramatically improve both our capability against complex threats and the cost-effectiveness equation between interception and threat,” he added.
Head of DDR&D, Brig Gen (Res.) Dr Daniel Gold, states, “Today, Iron Beam integrates into Israel’s multi-layered air defence array – which has demonstrated its effectiveness defending the nation over the past two years – as a significant complementary capability. We remain committed to advancing the world’s most cutting-edge developments to operational deployment, further strengthening Israel’s qualitative edge and technological superiority.”
IAF Commander, Maj Gen Tomer Bar, commented, “This moment, where an innovative and groundbreaking system that transforms operational reality is delivered from its developers into IDF hands, is especially significant. It continues our longstanding partnership, united by a single overarching purpose: safeguarding Israel’s security and defending its citizens. This adds another capability to our air defence forces, who have demonstrated exceptional operational proficiency during this war.”
Rafael President and CEO, Yoav Tourgeman said that Rafael is proud to deliver today to the IDF the Iron Beam system – the world’s most advanced laser-based system for intercepting aerial threats.
”In a security environment where threats are evolving rapidly, Rafael has developed an unprecedented technological capability, transforming a visionary concept into an operational reality,” Tourgeman added.
Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems said that as Israel’s laser house, Elbit Systems is proud of its strategic partnership with the Ministry of Defence and welcomes the delivery of the Or Eitan system to the IDF.
”The company continues its work on the development of high-power laser solutions for military applications, with a focus on an airborne laser that may bring a strategic shift in air defence capabilities,” Machlis added.
-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
