Israel takes delivery beam laser

Tel Aviv (dpa) — Israel’s military has taken delivery of a high-power laser interception system known as Iron Beam, which will be integrated into its existing multi-layered missile shields.

The laser system has been handed over to the armed forces following its development by Israeli defence firms Elbit Systems and Rafael, the Defence Ministry said on Sunday.

Iron Beam is designed to work alongside the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow defence systems.

Tests have shown the system can reliably intercept rockets, mortar rounds, aircraft and drones, the ministry said, adding that it is significantly cheaper to operate than conventional missile-based systems.

According to US estimates, the laser weapon can neutralize drones at a cost of around $4 per interception, compared with the much higher cost of Israel’s existing missile defence systems.

Defence Minister Israel Katz described the deployment as a “historic moment” that fundamentally changes the threat landscape. The system is fully operational, he said, and sends a clear message to Israel’s adversaries: “Do not challenge us.”

Amir Baram, director general of the defence ministry, said the handover marked “the beginning of a technological revolution” in air defence. While production of the system is now under way, work has already begun on the next generation of defences for both ground and aerial use, he said.

Rafael chairman Yuval Steinitz called the development a milestone, saying: “Today marks the beginning of the era of high-energy laser defence.”