The Ministry of Defense has announced the transfer of the first operational high-power laser defense system, Iron Beam, from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
In a statement released on December 28, 2025, Defense Minister Israel Katz described the milestone as “a historic occasion for the State of Israel and its security establishment.”
He emphasized that Iron Beam represents “the first time in the world that a high-power laser interception system has reached full operational maturity,” positioning it as a breakthrough in air-defense technology.
Katz highlighted the system’s game-changing potential: “Iron Beam changes the rules of the game in defending our skies. It is precise, cost-effective, and capable of intercepting threats that conventional systems struggle with—rockets, mortars, drones, and more—at a fraction of the cost.”
He added a pointed warning to adversaries: “This sends a clear message to all our enemies: do not test us. Israel’s technological edge and determination to protect its citizens are stronger than ever.”
Iron Beam uses a high-energy laser to detect, track, and neutralize short-range threats by delivering a focused energy beam that destroys or disables incoming projectiles mid-flight.
The system is designed to complement existing defense systems such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow.
Rafael officials noted that the delivered unit is the first fully operational configuration, cleared for integration into the IDF’s active air-defense networks. Deployment is expected to begin in phases, with initial focus on high-threat areas along Israel’s borders.
In a tweet (X), Rafael said: Today marks a new era in air defense. Rafael has officially delivered the Iron Beam laser system to the IDF – the world’s first operational high-power laser interceptor. Iron Beam proved itself in extensive trials, successfully intercepting rockets, mortars, and UAVs. Now it joins Israel’s multi-layered defense array alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow. This is more than a technological breakthrough. It’s a fundamental shift in the defense equation – maximum precision, superior efficiency, negligible cost per interception. From vision to reality. Welcome to the laser era.
IRON BEAM DELIVERED
Today marks a new era in air defense. Rafael has officially delivered the Iron Beam laser system to the IDF – the world's first operational high-power laser interceptor.
Iron Beam proved itself in extensive trials, successfully intercepting rockets, mortars,… pic.twitter.com/7MgvM2OoPW— Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (@RAFAELdefense) December 28, 2025
Iron Beam
Israel’s Iron Beam laser system has already made its combat debut. In late October 2024, during intense exchanges along the northern border, a lower-powered, interim version of the system successfully intercepted at least 40 Hezbollah drones launched from Lebanon.
“The Air Defense Array deployed laser systems in the field and achieved especially high interception results that saved civilians’ lives and protected national assets,” the statement said.
“Israel is the first country in the world to present a massive operational laser capability for intercepting threats,” said Brig. Gen. (res.) Danny Gold, head of the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development, or MAFAT.
Explaining the urgency behind the integration of Iron Beam, Dr. Y., the system engineer of Iron Beam, said, “I think it needs to be put in context. October 7, everyone wakes up and thinks what they can do. So after we went to donate blood, we met and started thinking, OK, what can we do now? Since we are all identified with laser, we said, OK, what can we do with laser?”
Lt. Col. Y., head of the high-power laser branch at MAFAT, said, “Iron Beam is a ground-based high-power laser weapon system, 100 kilowatts, the first of its kind in the world to enter regular operational service. The system proved effective in intercepting rockets, mortar bombs, and UAVs at ranges of up to 10 kilometers.”
Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram has said before that Iron Beam is basically laying the groundwork for a big shift in how wars are fought. Eventually, he believes battlefields everywhere will be full of these cheaper laser systems.
Firing an Iron Beam costs about as much as flipping on a light switch. That’s why it’s such a good answer to the problem of cheap, low-flying drones.
Another huge plus is that you never really run out. During a 12-day war with Iran, both the U.S. and Israel saw their stocks of traditional interceptor missiles run dangerously low; there’s no such limit with Iron Beam.
It can also handle multiple threats simultaneously. Back on October 7, Hamas tried to overload Israeli air defenses by launching thousands of rockets and drones all at once. Iron Beam would be much better equipped to deal with that kind of saturation attack.
Via: ET Online Desk
