The Protection Ministry introduced on Sunday the supply of the primary operational high-power laser interception system developed by Rafael Superior Protection Methods Ltd., dubbed “Iron Beam,” to the Israel Protection Forces.
The system, which has efficiently intercepted rockets, mortar shells and drones throughout in depth testing, shall be absorbed by the air drive and built-in into the nation’s multi-layered air protection array alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow methods.
Calling the handover “a historic event,” Protection Minister Israel Katz mentioned the system marks “the primary time on the planet {that a} high-power laser interception system has reached operational maturity,” including that it “adjustments the principles of the sport and sends a transparent message to all our enemies… don’t check us.”
Protection Ministry Director Normal Amir Baram mentioned the supply “marks the transition from growth to serial manufacturing,” calling Iron Beam “solely the start of the technological revolution” and noting it’s anticipated to considerably enhance each Israel’s defensive capabilities and the associated fee steadiness between threats and dear interceptors.
IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar described the second as “particularly transferring,” saying the system is “one other very important element within the air protection battle of our forces, who proved their operational capabilities throughout the warfare.”
Rafael CEO Yoav Turgeman mentioned the corporate is “proud to ship… probably the most superior laser system on the planet for intercepting aerial threats,” noting that even throughout intense preventing, Rafael “proved spectacular operational capabilities utilizing high-power lasers.”
Bezhalel Machlis, president and CEO of Elbit Methods — which equipped the laser for the system — additionally welcomed the supply, saying that “the corporate continues its work on the event of high-power laser options for army purposes.”
The system is referred to in Hebrew as Or Eitan (Eitan’s Mild) in reminiscence of Cpt. Eitan Oster, 22, a commander within the Egoz Commando Unit who was killed preventing Hezbollah in southern Lebanon in October 2024. His father – one of many system’s builders – recited the Shehecheyanu, a Jewish blessing that expresses appreciation for brand spanking new and particular experiences, on the ceremony.
On December 1, it was introduced that the Iron Beam can be handed over to the IDF on the finish of the month, with the Protection Ministry’s Directorate of Protection Analysis and Improvement head Danny Gold saying that “with growth full and a complete testing program that has validated the system’s capabilities, we’re ready to ship preliminary operational functionality to the IDF.”
The Iron Beam has been in growth for over a decade, after it was first unveiled in 2014. It was declared operational in September after finishing growth and ultimate assessments.
The system shouldn’t be meant to interchange the Iron Dome or different air protection methods, however to complement and complement them, capturing down smaller projectiles and leaving bigger ones for the extra sturdy missile-based batteries such because the David’s Sling and Arrow methods.
So long as there’s a fixed supply of power for the laser, there is no such thing as a threat of it ever working out of ammunition. Officers have hailed the system as a possible “game-changer” within the battle in opposition to projectile assaults.
The principle draw back of a laser system is that it doesn’t perform properly in low visibility, together with heavy cloud cowl or different inclement climate.
