Israel is making a bold move in its defence technology, and will be investing over $500 million to bring its latest weapon, the Iron Beam, into active service from 2025.
Unlike the Iron Dome, which is already well-known for intercepting rockets and missiles, this cutting-edge laser system is designed to target smaller threats, like mortars, rockets, and drones, with unprecedented precision.
What is the Iron Beam?
Israel’s Iron Beam is a cutting-edge laser-based defence system designed to intercept short-range threats like rockets, mortars, and drones. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Iron Beam complements Israel’s Iron Dome, filling a gap in defence against smaller, quicker attacks that traditional systems find challenging.
This system uses directed-energy technology, firing high-energy lasers at targets to destroy them mid-air.
Iron Beam offers a cost-effective solution, as each interception costs significantly less than the Iron Dome’s missile interceptors. The laser is also nearly instantaneous, reducing response time and making it highly effective for dense attack scenarios.
The system has been tested successfully and is expected to enhance Israel’s multi-layered air defence strategy, alongside the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems, providing comprehensive protection against various airborne threats.
The Iron Beam is under the helm of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the same company responsible for the Iron Dome and David’s Sling, two mainstays of Israel’s layered air defence.
Rafael’s CEO, Yoav Tourgeman, has expressed confidence that the Iron Beam will significantly fortify Israel’s air defences, which have been repeatedly tested by Iran and affiliated forces. This laser system is meant to serve as a quick and cost-effective complement to the Iron Dome, with its ability to engage and destroy threats at the speed of light.
Content retrieved from: https://www.firstpost.com/tech/israels-new-high-tech-defence-solution-iron-beam-is-set-to-join-the-iron-dome-how-does-it-work-13830836.html.
