Iron Beam is an Israeli laser air defence system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It is capable of shooting down incoming rockets, drones and mortars. The system is expected not to require any maintenance and will be cost-effective.
Iron Beam, a laser-based rocket intercept system, is designed to complement Israel's existing missile defense systems. It is expected that the system will be capable of intercepting both short-range and long-range threats. The laser beam is directed in mid-air at a target, eliminating it before it can fire. Iron Beam's range is up to seven kilometers The system has been successfully tested at extreme ranges. Its performance has been praised as precise, efficient, and inexpensive. It is not yet clear when the system will become operational.
For several years, the Iron Beam laser-based defense system has been under evaluation by the Israeli government. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems began to work on this system in 2009. The system has been displayed at many international air shows, including the Singapore Air Show 2014 in Singapore. However, the technology is still in an early stage of development. The company says that it is planning on deploying the device around Israel's borders over the next few years. It is expected that the Iron Beam device will be used in conjunction with other kinetic interception systems to achieve higher on-target energy.
Iron Beam was designed to take out unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), small range rockets and mortars. It is possible to use the Iron Beam system on land, sea, and air. The laser device is simple to use, and can be used to perform a wide range of purposes. It can also be used for signals to Iran and other countries.
Iron Beam will cost between $3.50 to $3.80 per shot. The Iron Beam system is not expected to be operational until at least three years. This is because the laser beam is not effective in bad weather conditions. For maximum effect, the laser must be held for a very long time. This can lead to complications. It is expected that the iron beam will be capable of intercepting many aerial threats, such as rogue UAVs or mini UAVs.
Iron Beam is being built to complement Israel’s existing missile defence systems, such Iron Dome. Iron Dome intercepts incoming rockets. Iron Beam can also be used to intercept short-range threats up to 2,000 metres away. It can also intercept RAMs or Retrograde Adjacent missiles.
Israel was originally expected to have Iron Beam operational in 2024. Israel decided to accelerate Iron Beam's production due to worries about missile supply for Iron Dome. Lasers that can be paired together will form the basis of the system. Lasers that are paired together will be capable of engaging a range of aerial threats and can be deployed beyond Israel's hostile borders.