Israel's Rafael to Present Laser Weapons "Family" at Paris Air Show 2025

Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. will present its complete lineup of High-Energy Laser Weapon Systems (HELWS) for the first time at the Paris Air Show 2025, following recent operational use of its laser technology during the ongoing “Iron Swords” war.

Rafael plans to unveil the newly developed IRON BEAM 450 laser director, along with two other systems—IRON BEAM M and LITE BEAM—forming a full spectrum of HELWS solutions tailored for different tactical needs. These systems are the result of long-term collaboration with Israel’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (MAFAT) at the Ministry of Defense.

This showcase comes just days after Israel revealed that its laser-based air defense systems had intercepted dozens of aerial threats in live combat conditions.

“Just last week, we announced that Israel is the first country in the world to operationalize powerful high-energy laser technology,” Dr. Yuval Steinitz, Chairman of Rafael, was quoted as saying on June 5. “IRON BEAM and its broader laser system family will be integrated into the national air defense array, significantly enhancing its effectiveness.”

At the center of Rafael’s exhibit will be the IRON BEAM 450, a ground-based laser director designed to neutralize airborne threats at the speed of light. Upgraded for improved range, accuracy, and efficiency, the system is expected to be operationally deployed to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) by the end of 2025.

The IRON BEAM system features adaptive optics developed over more than a decade of research. These optics allow the laser beam to remain focused on a coin-sized target at distances of up to 10 kilometers. According to Rafael, this breakthrough enables fast response times and near-zero cost per interception, with no dependence on ammunition.

The export-ready HELWS family includes:

IRON BEAM 450 – Long-range, fixed installation system with enhanced engagement capability.

IRON BEAM M – 250 – A mobile version designed for tactical deployment with maneuvering forces.

LITE BEAM – A lightweight, compact system delivering 10kW laser protection for field units.

Each system has undergone testing in complex threat scenarios and is compatible with a range of land, naval, and air platforms through an open-architecture design.

Rafael has faced intense demand during the ongoing war, where tens of thousands of projectiles were launched at Israel from multiple fronts. The HELWS family is designed to address such threats efficiently and economically, offering a new layer to Israel’s existing missile defense architecture.