Israel declares ‘Iron Beam’ laser defense system fully operational
Israel has officially declared its “Iron Beam” laser defense system fully operational. Developed by the defense contractor Rafael in cooperation with the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Iron Beam is the world’s first operational laser-based air defense system deployed in response to immediate threats. The system has successfully completed final testing in southern israel and is set to join the Israel Defense Forces’ missile defense network by the end of 2025, complementing existing systems like Iron Dome and David’s Sling.
Iron Beam can intercept rockets, mortars, aircraft, and drones at ranges over six miles, doing so at a very low cost-about $5 per interception-making it an economically attractive complement to expensive interceptor missiles. It is intended to address modern threats such as low-cost drones, which have challenged other countries including Iran, Ukraine, and the United States.
Named “Or Eitan” (Eitan’s Light) in honor of an Israeli commando killed in 2024 whose father helped develop the system, Iron Beam represents a notable technological advance and reinforces Israel’s position at the forefront of military defense innovation.Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that the system strengthens Israel’s defensive and offensive capabilities to protect its citizens from regional adversaries.
Israel declares ‘Iron Beam’ laser defense system fully operational
Israel declared that its “Iron Beam” laser defense system is fully operational and ready for use. It represents the first operational defense laser to be deployed by a nation facing immediate threats.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense said the laser had proven useful in tests against rockets, mortars, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. It will be integrated into Israel’s wider missile defense network alongside kinetic interceptors such as the Iron Dome and David’s Sling. The system completed its last tests and is set to enter active use in the Israel Defense Forces by the end of the year.
“The series of tests, conducted at a testing ground in southern Israel, concludes the development process and constitutes the final stage before delivering the system for operational use in the IDF,” Israel’s defense ministry said.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz boasted that the completion of the laser “places the State of Israel at the forefront of global military technology and makes Israel the first nation to possess this capability.”
“Our enemies from Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, and other arenas should know: just as we are strong in defense, we are strong in offense — and we will do everything to protect the security of Israeli citizens,” Katz added.
Iron Beam can intercept targets over 6 miles away, all at the cost of roughly $5. The cheap price is one of its most desirable attributes, giving militaries a cost-effective way to intercept cheap drones without using multimillion-dollar interceptor missiles. The necessity of an economic air defense system has been showcased by Israel’s war with Iran, Russia’s drone attacks against Ukraine, and the United States’s struggle to quell the Yemeni Houthis.
The laser was developed by the defense contractor Rafael in cooperation with the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
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Rafael’s chairman, Yuval Steinitz, boasted that “Rafael’s laser system, built on our proprietary adaptive optics technology, will undoubtedly be a game-changing system with unprecedented impact on modern warfare.”
In a symbolic move, the system was renamed from Magen Or (light shield) to Or Eitan (Eitan’s light), after Cpt. Eitan Oster, 22, an Israeli commando commander whom Hezbollah killed during fighting in southern Lebanon in October 2024, the Times of Israel reported. His father was one of the “initiators and developers” of the Iron Beam.
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