In a strategic response to the relentless rocket threats posed by Hamas and Hezbollah, Israel is reportedly contemplating the expedited deployment of the cutting-edge Iron Beam missile defense system, a creation of the prestigious Israeli firm Rafael. Once fully operational, the Iron Beam will stand as the fifth component of Israel’s comprehensive missile defense array, complementing the existing Arrow 2, Arrow 3, David’s Sling, and the Iron Dome systems.
The formidable 100-kilowatt Iron Beam has been meticulously designed to neutralize an array of threats, including rockets, artillery, mortars, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), and anti-tank missiles. Remarkably, this state-of-the-art system can function independently or seamlessly integrate into broader defense networks.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has declared on its official website that the Iron Beam possesses remarkable precision in neutralizing a wide spectrum of threats while safeguarding military personnel and civilian populations. Its design, with a keen focus on limited collateral damage, sets a new standard in the realm of defensive capabilities.
Michael Lurie, Vice President and Head of the Land Manoeuvre Systems Directorate at Rafael, along with being CEO of Rafael USA, emphasized the urgency of the system’s deployment, noting that it could potentially become the world’s first operational high-energy laser system. Despite the presence of other technologically advanced competitors, Israel’s compelling need has propelled the Iron Beam’s development.
While the Iron Dome has effectively shielded Israel from rocket attacks for over a decade, the Iron Beam, as emphasized by Lurie, is not a replacement but a complementary system. It is especially valuable in scenarios where the laser-based defense might face operational challenges, such as foggy weather or rainfall.
In the ongoing conflict, the Iron Dome has been the stalwart guardian, intercepting thousands of missiles launched by adversaries. However, the Iron Beam, as a directed energy weapon (DEW) air defense system, offers several advantages, including enhanced mobility and concealment. Unlike the Iron Dome, it operates without the need for interceptor missiles, reducing concerns related to the global supply chain.
Moreover, the DEW system proves to be cost-effective, with significantly lower operational costs and minimal manpower requirements. The Iron Beam employs a powerful fiber laser, featuring a battery comprising an air defense radar, a command and control unit, and two High Energy Laser (HEL) systems. These twin laser guns can produce 100-150 kW of power within a single second.
With a remarkable range of up to 7 kilometers, the Iron Beam is engineered to eliminate a target within mere seconds of the high-energy fiber optic lasers making contact. These lasers focus their energy beams to disable, cut, or inflict heat damage on the target. Notably, in 2020, the system demonstrated its effectiveness by swiftly neutralizing missiles, UAVs, and mortar shells. Reports also indicate plans to increase energy levels in the future.
Uzi Rubin, a missile defense expert at the Israeli Ministry of Defense, emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of the Iron Beam system, with the cost per kill being significantly lower than interceptor missiles. While an interceptor fired by the Iron Dome can cost up to $60,000 each, the laser beam in the Iron Beam system costs only a few dollars.
In this paradigm shift in aerial defense, Israel is poised to reinforce its security with the Iron Beam, aligning with its longstanding commitment to pioneering defense technologies.
