Israel’s Iron Beam Laser Defense System Secures $500M Contract: New Air Defense Technology

The Israel Ministry of Defense signed a landmark deal worth over $500 million to expand serial production of Israel’s first domestically developed laser interception system, the Iron Beam, with lead developers Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems.

Iron Beam is a ground-based high-power laser air defense system designed to counter aerial threats, including rockets, mortars, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and cruise missiles. The Ministry of Defense’s (IMod) DDR&D’s R&D Unit leads the project with primary developers Rafael and Elbit Systems. The Iron Beam system represents a global technological breakthrough, with its impressive interception capabilities demonstrated through a series of successful trials. The system is expected to integrate into Israel’s multi-layered defense array as a complementary capability to the Iron Dome system. This integration will significantly enhance Israel’s defense capabilities against current and future threats while offering substantially lower operational costs.

Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense said, “Since the outbreak of war, the Ministry has signed hundreds of orders worth billions of dollars to strengthen domestic production capabilities and build the IDF’s force. The Iron Beam deal is among our most significant agreements, as it heralds the beginning of a new era in warfare. The initial capability of the ground-based laser system developed through collaboration between the DDR&D, major defense industries, and startup companies is expected to enter operational service within one year. The Iron Beam deal will ensure continued and accelerated procurement of many additional laser systems.”

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Yoav Tourgeman, CEO of Rafael, said, “Rafael is proud to lead the development and delivery of the world’s first advanced high-power laser system for intercepting a wide range of aerial threats. After years of research, development, and significant technological breakthroughs in laser technology at Rafael, along with an extensive series of successful trials, the Iron Beam system will soon reach maturity for operational deployment. The Iron Beam project marks a significant milestone in upgrading Israel’s air defense capabilities. Iron Beam will join Iron Dome and David’s Sling, providing optimal protection for Israeli citizens through breakthrough technologies and superior performance.”

Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President & CEO of Elbit Systems added, “As Israel’s global leader in high-power laser technology, Elbit Systems welcomes the significant progress in the Iron Beam project and is proud of its contribution to its success. The capabilities developed at Elbit that will be integrated into Iron Beam represent a quantum leap in future defense technology against various threats. Elbit’s management and employees take pride in contributing to Israel’s defense through groundbreaking strategic systems. The development of laser technology and its integration into a national project led by the IMoD is another significant step in maturing Elbit Systems’ diverse capabilities in transforming and advancing defense and warfare technologies.”