Next year, Israel will deploy Iron Beam laser weapon systems: destroying targets is 50 times cheaper

Yoav Turgeman, CEO of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, announced that its high-energy laser weapon system Iron Beam (HELWS) will begin operating with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) next year. This 100 kW system is to become a new component of Israel's air defense system, which will serve as the "last line of defense" from drones, rockets and mortars.

The Iron Beam system can focus a laser beam of up to 100 kilowatts on an aerial target, destroying it in seconds. Its effective range varies depending on factors such as laser power, weather conditions, and target type, and it is capable of engaging short- and medium-range threats up to 7 kilometers away. The “Iron Ray” system has been tested, including a series of tests conducted by the IDF in March 2022 that demonstrated its ability to intercept drones, mortars and missiles.

One of the key characteristics of the Iron Beam is its lower cost per shot compared to conventional interceptor missiles. According to estimates, each interception using the "Iron Beam" will cost up to $1,000, which is less than the $40,000 to $50,000 interception cost associated with the Tamir missiles used by the Iron Dome system. The system also has an unlimited magazine, which allows you to use it continuously without the need for reloading. These features are relevant in the context of the ongoing military conflict, where Israel has faced a shortage of Iron Dome ammunition. According to Israeli economists, the war in Gaza has cost the Israeli economy more than $67.3 billion.

Turgeman also discussed the effectiveness of Rafael's Python 4 and Python 5 missiles, which were used against drones and cruise missiles in recent Iranian attacks. He noted that the Python 4 missile, which has been in service for four decades, continues to meet operational requirements. Rafael is also developing the Skysonic system, which should provide hypersonic interception against hypersonic missile threats.

Rafael, which has been developing directed energy systems for more than 30 years, is working to expand Iron Beam's capabilities. In collaboration with Lockheed Martin, Rafael is developing a version of the Iron Beam that can reach power levels of up to 300 kW, using multiple beams to hit multiple targets simultaneously. This development is mainly funded by the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

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Iron Beam, also known as "Magen Or" or "Shield of Light", — is a 100kW high energy laser weapon system first unveiled at the Singapore Airshow in February 2014. It is designed to intercept various air threats using a directed energy approach. The Iron Beam system uses a fiber laser to destroy short-range missiles, artillery and mortars, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It works by detecting and tracking airborne threats, either as a stand-alone system or as part of a wider air defense network.

“Iron Ray” is one of the components of Israel's integrated anti-missile defense system, which also includes the Arrow 2, Arrow 3, and David's Sling systems. and “Iron Dome”. It is designed to complement these tiers by providing a directed energy option to intercept threats that other interceptors may not manage effectively. A Naval Iron Beam variant is also being developed for use on ships to defend against drone swarms and anti-ship missiles. This version, which maintains the same external dimensions as the land-based system, is expected to enter service within four to five years and is planned for deployment on Israeli Navy ships such as the Reshef corvette.

Further development included attempts to create a mobile version of the Iron Beam system. However, weight and power considerations led to a focus on its integration with existing stationary platforms. The system's ability to achieve high accuracy at long distances suggests potential applications in both military and civilian contexts, particularly for defense against slow-flying drones and other aerial threats that are more vulnerable to laser attacks.

In April 2022, experiments demonstrated the system's ability to intercept drones, rockets, mortars and anti-tank missiles. In response to operational needs, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced plans to deploy the Iron Beam. on Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip to test its effectiveness under real-world conditions, including a 2023 Israel-Hamas war. Expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025, the system is planned to be integrated into Iron Dome to provide coordinated use of both missile interception and laser systems.

The system's fiber laser has the potential to achieve maximum effective range of up to 7 kilometers and is able to neutralize targets within a few seconds after contact with the laser beam. By 2023, advances in technology allowed lasers to reach power levels of 100 kW or more, with the beam focused on targets the diameter of a coin, up to 10 kilometers away.

Despite the potential, the use of high-energy lasers such as Iron Beam or British DragonFly, has problems. Atmospheric conditions such as clouds or rain can affect the beam's ability to reach the target, so the laser must remain focused on a moving target for several seconds to provide enough energy to destroy it. This requirement can limit its effectiveness against multiple threats at once, such as a barrage of missiles. In addition, some targets can be protected by materials resistant to laser attacks, which can reduce the effectiveness of the system.