Israel acquires "Iron Beam" combat laser, which has been under development for over 10 years

On 28 October 2024, the Israeli Ministry of Defence signed two agreements with Elbit Systems and Rafael for the supply and production of the Iron Beam laser system.

Here's What We Know

Elbit Systems announced a $200 million contract to supply and maintain laser equipment for the Iron Beam system.

The agreements, signed on 28 October 2024 with Elbit Systems and Rafael, are aimed at producing the first production models, which are expected to strengthen the IDF's arsenal in 2025.

The Iron Beam project envisages the creation of a 100 kW combat laser capable of destroying enemy airborne objects, including drones, cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as mortar shells and artillery shells. The laser will have a range of hundreds of metres to 10 km. The new system is expected to complement the Iron Dome.

The system was first demonstrated publicly on 11 February 2014 at an arms exhibition in Singapore. However, the development of laser weapons in Israel began in the mid-1990s as part of the Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrator project, which was later reincarnated as Iron Beam.

"The Iron Beam agreement is one of the most strategic we have signed. It opens a new era in combat technology - the era of lasers," said Israeli Defence Minister Eyal Zamir.

Source: Defence Express