Rafael Delivers First Operational Laser System to Israeli Military

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has handed over the first operational Iron Beam laser interception system to the Israel Defense Forces, the country’s defense ministry announced Sunday.

Developed by the Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development in cooperation with Rafael, the program also involved Elbit Systems, SCD and Shafir Systems.

Iron Beam completed an extensive testing program in which it intercepted rockets, mortar shells and unmanned aerial vehicles. The system will be absorbed by the Israeli Air Force and integrated into Israel’s layered air defense architecture alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow.

The laser is intended to supplement existing interceptors rather than replace them, targeting smaller and short-range threats while missile-based systems engage larger projectiles. The system was declared operational in September after completing final trials and was first unveiled in 2014. The deployment follows more than a decade of development and testing.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said it marked “the first time in the world that a high-power laser interception system has reached operational maturity.”

The delivery marks transition from development to serial production, with additional systems already in manufacturing.

The laser does not face ammunition limits as long as sufficient power is available, but its performance can be reduced in poor visibility and adverse weather.