Israel accelerates deployment of Iron Beam laser system
15 October, 2023 Iron Beam system. Photo credits: Rafael Israel is accelerating the deployment of the Iron Beam directed-energy weapon air defense system due to the outbreak of hostilities against the Hamas terrorist group.
The Defense Industry reported on this. As part of operational tests, the 100 kW laser will go on combat duty with the Israel Defense Forces. Developed and manufactured by Rafael, the Iron Beam laser weapon is designed to intercept a wide range of threats.
For example, the system can intercept rocket artillery shells, mortar rounds, and drones at a distance of up to several kilometers.
Iron Beam system. Photo credits: Rafael
Directed-energy weapon air defense system offers a significant economic advantage, as each shot costs up to a thousand dollars, unlike the estimated cost of the Tamir interceptor missile used in the Iron Dome missile defense system, which ranges between USD 40 and 50 thousand. During the current high-intensity conflict, Israel is facing an acute shortage of ammunition for the Iron Dome system.
As a result, the United States is providing the Israeli military with missiles from its own systems. In March 2022, the Israeli military conducted a series of successful Iron Beam tests, during which the prototype destroyed drones, mortar bombs, and missiles. The IDF initially planned to adopt the laser system in 2025.
However, current circumstances require expediting the process.
Iron Beam system. Photo credits: Rafael
The Iron Beam system is designed to complement the Iron Dome. The Laser System is designed to increase the efficiency of Israel's multi-layer air defense and missile defense system.
As of now, IDF and Rafael only have the prototype laser stations at their disposal, which are not enough to effectively cover the Israeli territory.
Therefore, it is expected that lasers will protect only the most vulnerable areas from attacks.
Militarnyi recently reported that the United States Army received the first four prototypes of DE M-SHORAD's newest 50-kilowatt short-range air defense laser systems.