Iron Beam laser system | Photo: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has delivered the first operational Iron Beam high-power laser air defence system to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), following a development programme led jointly with the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) of the Israel Ministry of Defense. The delivery took place during an official ceremony at Rafael’s headquarters in northern Israel, attended by senior officials from the ministry, the IDF, and the company.
According to the announcement, the Iron Beam system has undergone a series of tests against multiple threat types and has successfully intercepted rockets, mortars, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The system will be integrated into the Israeli Air Force and incorporated into Israel’s layered air defence structure alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow.
The Iron Beam system is a high-power laser designed to counter aerial threats. It combines a laser source with an electro-optical targeting system to enable interception of targets at extended ranges. Development of the system was led by DDR&D, with Rafael acting as the prime contractor.
Rafael Chairman Yuval Steinitz said, “Today, December 28, 2025, marks the beginning of the era of high-energy laser defence. Israel has become the first country in the world to field an operational laser system for the interception of aerial threats, including rockets and missiles. This milestone was made possible by Rafael’s unique adaptive optics technology, representing a global scientific breakthrough. Rafael conceived, led, and brought this groundbreaking project – Iron Beam – from vision to reality, as part of its long-standing responsibility to strengthen and expand the scientific and technological advantage of the State of Israel.”
Rafael President and CEO Yoav Tourgeman said, “Even during a particularly complex period of intensive combat, Rafael has demonstrated impressive operational performance using high-power laser technology. We take great pride in serving as a central pillar of Israel’s national security, built on a powerful combination of values, exceptional human capital, and breakthrough innovation. I would like to thank Rafael’s employees, who turn the impossible into possible every day, as well as our partners at the IMOD’s DDR&D, the IAF, and the defence industries that took part in this extraordinary development.””
IMOD Director General Amir Baram, “The delivery of the first Iron Beam system to the IAF, with numerous additional systems already in production, marks the completion of our initial phase – the transition from development to serial manufacturing. This represents only the beginning of a technological revolution. Even as production continues, we are already advancing the development of next-generation defence systems for land and air deployment. Iron Beam now adds another layer to Israel’s multi-layered defence architecture and is expected to dramatically improve both our capability against complex threats and the cost-effectiveness equation between interception and threat.”
Israeli Air Force Commander Tomer Bar said the system adds another capability to Israel’s air defence forces.
Discover more from StratPost
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
