Iron Beam (Laser Air Defence)

Overview

High-energy laser weapon system designed to complement Iron Dome by providing a near-zero cost-per-shot defence against short-range rockets, mortar shells, drones, and incendiary balloons. Iron Beam uses a solid-state fibre laser with power reportedly in the 100 kW class to destroy airborne threats by focusing a concentrated beam that heats and detonates or structurally defeats the target. The system achieves engagement in seconds with effectively unlimited "ammunition" (limited only by power supply), addressing Iron Dome's primary limitation — the $40,000-$50,000 cost per Tamir interceptor. Iron Beam successfully completed live-fire tests in 2022, destroying drones, rockets, and mortar rounds. The system is designed for deployment alongside Iron Dome batteries, engaging lower-cost threats with the laser while reserving Tamir interceptors for more complex targets. Expected to reach initial operational capability by 2025. Israel aims to be the first nation to deploy an operational ground-based laser air defence system in combat.

Technical Specifications

Operators

• Israel

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