Iron Beam trial underway: Israel’s next-gen laser defence nears reality

Israel’s Ministry of Defence is preparing for another critical trial of the Iron Beam laser missile defence system, according to senior sources from the Ministry and defence companies, quoted by Israeli media.

Success in this upcoming test could allow the Ministry and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems — the main developer — to proceed with operational deployment planned for the last quarter of 2025. However, any unforeseen issues could delay this timeline.

The trial will use a prototype that has already demonstrated its capabilities in prior tests. In 2022, the system successfully intercepted a UAV during a trial. Israel’s experience during recent conflicts showed a vulnerability to UAV threats, especially along the mountainous Lebanese border. If operational, Iron Beam would have offered significant defensive advantages. The system has been tested multiple times throughout the conflict.

What is Iron Beam?

Iron Beam is designed to complement the Iron Dome system. Both share a control vehicle but serve different ranges and threats. Iron Dome targets rockets up to 40 kilometres, while Iron Beam counters threats within 10 kilometres using a powerful, approximately 100-kilowatt laser beam. This level of laser power is unmatched globally; generating a 100-kilowatt beam requires around 128 kilowatts of power.

Despite its cutting-edge technology, Iron Beam faces technical challenges. One major issue is laser attenuation—the reduction in beam strength over distance. Environmental conditions like fog, mist, or clouds also limit its effectiveness. Additionally, the laser operates in a focused column, moving from target to target rather than engaging multiple targets simultaneously.

Dr. Yuval Steinitz, chairman of Rafael, explained to the National Defence website that Iron Beam fires hundreds of tiny coin-sized beams at the target. Upon detecting a successful hit via telescopic reflection, it concentrates more beams on the target, rapidly neutralising it.

Cost efficiency and development partners

The Ministry of Defence’s Directorate of Defence R&D (DDR&D or MAFAT) leads the project with Rafael and Elbit Systems. US defence giant Lockheed Martin joined in late 2022, investing tens of millions of dollars outside of the $500 million annual US aid for joint air defence ventures. Lockheed Martin plans to market Iron Beam in the US eventually.

In October, the Ministry financed a NIS 2 billion deal to expand Iron Beam production, aiming for initial deliveries of several systems. While the Ministry insists on operational deployment by late 2025, many experts believe some systems may only be delivered in 2026, assuming no issues arise during the final trial.

There are two main reasons for the Ministry’s push to meet deadlines. Firstly, although Israel will never have a fully hermetic defence, combining Iron Beam with Iron Dome will significantly expand interception range and capabilities, covering rockets, mortars, drones, and cruise missiles. Secondly, laser-based defence is far more economical. While an Iron Dome interception costs about $30,000, Iron Beam’s laser intercept is expected to cost just $5 to $10.

Export potential and US collaboration

The system has strong export potential. Since the Biden administration, $1.2 billion has been invested in Iron Beam, funding also slated for a second system cluster. This next phase will see about 50% of the production localised in the US, aligning with policies aimed at economic benefits and technology sharing with American defence.

The Ministry of Defence declined to comment. Rafael stated, “Rafael will deliver the Iron Beam system to the Ministry of Defence as planned in the last quarter of 2025, with continued supply according to the agreement. Systems in development are continually tested under various scenarios.”

By Tamilla Hasanova