Developed by Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Iron Beam is a laser air defense system that is designed to shoot down incoming drones, rockets, and mortars. The system is expected not to require any maintenance and will be cost-effective.
Iron Beam, a laser-based rocket intercept system, is designed to complement Israel's existing missile defense systems. The system is expected capable of intercepting both long-range, and short-range threats. The laser beam is directed towards a target in midair, eliminating it from sight before it can fire. Iron Beam's range is up to seven kilometers The system has been proven to work at difficult ranges. Its performance has been praised as precise, efficient, and inexpensive. The system's operational date is unknown.
Since 2009, the Iron Beam laser defense system has been under review by the Israeli government. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems began work in 2009 on the system. The system has been featured at several international air shows such as the Singapore Air Show in 2014. It is still in its early stages of development. According to the company, it plans to deploy the device along Israel's borders in the coming years. Iron Beam's use with other kinetic interference systems is planned to provide higher on-target energy.
Iron Beam was designed to take out unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), small range rockets and mortars. It is possible to use the Iron Beam system on land, sea, and air. The laser device is simple to use, and can be used to perform a wide range of purposes. It can also deliver signals to Iran or other nations.
Iron Beam's cost per shot is estimated to be between $3.50 - $3.80. It is however not expected to remain operational for at most three years. The laser beam cannot be effective in adverse weather conditions. The laser needs to remain on for a prolonged time before it can produce its full effects. This can create problems. The iron beam is expected to be able to intercept a range of aerial threats, from rogue UAVs to mini UAVs.
Iron Beam is being developed to complement Israel's existing missile defense systems, such as Iron Dome, which is used to intercept incoming rockets and mortars. Iron Beam has the ability to intercept short-range threats as far as 2,000 meters. It can also intercept RAMs or Retrograde Adjacent missiles.
Iron Beam was originally scheduled to be operational in Israel by 2024. Israel decided to accelerate Iron Beam's production due to worries about missile supply for Iron Dome. The lasers will be paired together to form the system. These lasers can be used to combat a wide range of aerial threats. They will also be deployed in Israel's hostile territories.