Israel Signs $500M Contract with Elbit Systems, Rafael for Iron Beam Laser Air Defense System

The Israeli Ministry of Defense has finalized contracts exceeding $500 million (NIS 2 billion) with Elbit Systems and Rafael Defense for the Iron Beam high-power laser technology project.

Elbit Systems announced that it has received an approximate $200 million contract as part of this initiative.

The Iron Beam system is designed to complement the existing Iron Dome by addressing evolving threats, including missiles, rockets, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Iron Beam is expected to be operational within one year.

In a signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Defense headquarters in Tel Aviv, Eyal Zamir, Director General of the Ministry of Defense, signed the contract alongside senior officials, including Danny Gold from the Israeli Directorate of Defense Research & Development and CEOs Yoav Turgeman of Rafael and Bezhalel Machlis of Elbit Systems.

Developed collaboratively by Rafael and Elbit Systems, the Iron Beam100-kilowatt laser is designed to intercept various threats, including rocket artillery shells, mortar mines, and drones, at ranges of several kilometers. Each shot from the Iron Beam reportedly costs around $1,000, significantly lower than the $40,000 to $50,000 cost per shot of the Tamir interceptor missile used in the Iron Dome anti-ballistic missile system.

The system's capabilities have been validated through a series of rigorous tests, demonstrating interceptions of various projectiles. By utilizing laser defense technology.

The Iron Beam system will operate alongside the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow missile defense systems, offering a comprehensive defensive shield that can adapt to threats across various altitudes and ranges.