by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff
JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – In a major leap forward for missile defense, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems unveiled its new family of laser weapons that could render traditional bomb shelters largely obsolete during most aerial attacks. The Iron Beam series–comprising the stationary Iron Beam, mobile Iron Beam M, and vehicle-mounted Lite Beam–was introduced last week and will continue to be presented throughout 2025.
Unlike existing interceptor systems like Iron Dome, Rafael’s lasers use directed light energy to destroy rockets and drones shortly after launch, often while threats are still within enemy territory. This ultra-fast response eliminates the need for air raid sirens or civilian evacuations in most cases, the company said.
“Israel is the first country in the world to transform high-power laser technology into a fully operational system – and to execute actual combat interceptions,” said Rafael Chairman Dr. Yuval Steinitz. “Iron Beam will be a game-changer with an unprecedented impact on the modern battlefield.”
The Lite Beam, a compact 10-kilowatt laser, can be mounted on ground vehicles for localized threats. The Iron Beam M, a mobile unit mounted on large trucks, boasts a 50-kilowatt output. The full-scale Iron Beam, firing a 100-kilowatt beam, is designed for stationary deployment and strategic coverage.
Rafael confirmed that Lite Beam systems have already been used in combat, shooting down nearly 40 Hezbollah drones during the fall of 2024.
Though the U.S., China, Russia, and other nations are pursuing laser weapons, Rafael said it is the first company to transition from testing to operational deployment.
The advantages are substantial: laser shots cost just $3, compared to the Iron Dome’s $40,000 per interceptor. Additionally, lasers eliminate the need for stockpiling and transporting interceptors, streamlining logistics. However, the systems remain expensive to build and require time to scale up, as seen with the years-long rollout of Iron Dome batteries.
Rafael CEO Yoav Tourgeman called the development “a monumental operational and technological accomplishment,” noting that the first Iron Beam system will be delivered to Israel’s Ministry of Defense later this year.
Despite the breakthrough, Rafael acknowledged that adapting laser technology for airborne platforms remains a distant goal due to challenges like turbulence, dust, and beam diffusion in the atmosphere. For now, the focus remains on ground-based applications.
Steinitz emphasized that the leap from short-range medical laser use to long-range military deployment opens up vast possibilities. “This is not just a defense breakthrough–it’s a scientific one that will change multiple industries,” he said.
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