Israel has taken a major step forward in its air defense capabilities with the successful deployment of a prototype laser system designed to intercept unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and other aerial threats. This development comes as part of the country’s ongoing Swords of Iron War, which encompasses operations in Gaza and defense against various airborne threats. The laser system, a result of collaboration between Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), and the Israeli Air Force, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of directed energy weapons.

The deployed laser is part of Rafael’s broader portfolio of directed energy weapon systems, which are being developed in partnership with the Ministry of Defense. While this prototype has already proven its effectiveness in combat, it is designed to complement the more powerful Iron Beam system, currently under development. The Iron Beam, expected to be delivered to the Israel Defense Force later this year, will have the capability to destroy not only drones but also mortars and rockets, offering a more comprehensive defense solution.

On May 28, Rafael released a statement detailing the success of the laser systems during the current conflict. According to the company, the Israeli Air Force, including its Aerial Defense Array soldiers, studied and deployed the laser systems in the field, achieving what they described as “outstanding interception rates that saved civilian lives and protected national assets.” This real-world application of the technology has demonstrated its potential to reshape air defense strategies, providing a fast, precise, and cost-effective means of intercepting threats—qualities that Rafael claims are unmatched by any existing system.

In conjunction with the statement, Rafael shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) that showcased the laser system in action. The footage depicted a small laser mounted on a deployable container system, operated by three personnel at an eight-screen multi-function control station. The video also captured an intercept that appeared to target an Iranian-made Zouari UAS, a loitering munition known to be used by Hamas forces. This successful engagement demonstrates the system’s ability to counter immediate threats in the region.

This innovative directed-energy weapon, developed in collaboration with Israel’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), represents a significant leap forward in countering aerial threats, including drones, rockets, and mortars. The announcement underscores an accelerated development program aimed at deploying revolutionary interception systems to address the evolving threats faced by Israel, particularly during the ongoing Swords of Iron War.

The laser system featured in the video bears a resemblance to Rafael’s 100kW Iron Beam Mobile (Iron Beam-M) system, as previously depicted in company graphics. The Iron Beam-M is a large truck-mounted system equipped with a generator, command and control (C4I) systems, cooling mechanisms, and an operator station. This mobile configuration allows for flexibility in deployment, ensuring that the system can be positioned where it is most needed.

At the AUSA 2024 conference, a Rafael official provided further insight into the development timeline for the Iron Beam system. The official noted that the company is currently finalizing development and preparing for production, stating, “We are now in the process of finalizing development and productivity so it is going into production now. The full rate production will take place in 2025, and fielding is expected to happen at the end of 2025.” This timeline indicates that while the prototype laser is already making an impact, the more advanced Iron Beam system will soon follow, bringing even greater capabilities to Israel’s air defense arsenal.

The Iron Beam is the product of a collaborative effort between Rafael, the IDF, the IAF, and the DDR&D, reflecting Israel’s urgent need to bolster its air defense capabilities amid rising regional tensions. This urgency is evident in the rapid timeline of its development and deployment. A prototype of the system has already been fielded and proven effective in combat, while the more advanced Iron Beam system is slated for delivery to the IDF later this year, with full-rate production scheduled for 2025 and fielding expected by the end of that year. This accelerated pace highlights the strategic importance of laser-based defenses in countering the growing sophistication and proliferation of aerial threats in the region.

The Ministry of Defense released compelling video footage showcasing the Iron Beam in action, demonstrating its ability to neutralize drones with precision. The videos depict drones with a distinctive crucifix-like design and a V-tail—features consistent with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) used by adversaries such as Hezbollah, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, and the Houthis in Yemen. In the footage, the laser targets the drones’ wings, burning through them and causing the aircraft to crash, offering a vivid illustration of the system’s destructive potential.

Two distinct laser systems appear in the ministry’s second video, showcasing the versatility of Rafael’s directed-energy portfolio:

• Lite Beam: This smaller system resembles Rafael’s previously showcased Lite Beam, featuring a large lens accompanied by additional optics and sensors. It appears designed for more compact, tactical deployments, potentially suited for rapid response to localized threats.
• Iron Beam-M (Mobile): The second system is a mobile version of the Iron Beam, known as Iron Beam-M. Mounted on a large truck, it includes a generator, command and control (C4I) systems, cooling mechanisms, and an operator station with an eight-screen multi-function control setup. This mobile configuration enhances its deployability, allowing it to be positioned strategically across various theaters of operation.

The Iron Beam-M, in particular, aligns with Rafael’s 100kW-class laser system, designed to tackle a broader spectrum of threats beyond drones, including rockets and mortars. Operated by a small crew—typically three personnel—the system offers a cost-effective and precise alternative to traditional missile-based defenses.

Combat Performance and Strategic Impact

Brig. Gen. G., head of the IAF’s Aerial Defense Array (identified only by his initial for security reasons), praised the laser systems’ initial operational success in a ministry statement. He noted that during the current conflict, the systems effectively intercepted “numerous aerial threats and munitions,” safeguarding civilian lives and national assets. Rafael echoed this sentiment in a May 28 statement, highlighting the “outstanding interception rates” achieved by the IAF’s Aerial Defense Array soldiers, who studied and deployed the systems in the field.

Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, emphasized the transformative potential of this technology, declaring that the new lasers will “change the rules of the game in the region.” He underscored Israel’s technological edge, warning adversaries to fear not only current capabilities but also those under development. This bold statement reflects confidence in the Iron Beam’s ability to reshape regional security dynamics, particularly as Israel faces a growing threat from long-range, one-way attack drones, many supplied by Iran to groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.

The video evidence suggests that the prototype Iron Beam has already downed Hezbollah drones during engagements in October, though it may have targeted other threats as well, such as the Iranian-made Zouari UAS, a loitering munition used by Hamas. This real-world combat experience validates the system’s effectiveness and sets the stage for its broader adoption.

Context of Regional Threats

The deployment of the Iron Beam comes at a critical juncture for Israel, which faces a complex and multifaceted aerial threat landscape. Prior to the latest hostilities, Hezbollah was estimated to possess an arsenal of approximately 130,000 rockets, missiles, and mortar shells, while Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza held thousands more. The proliferation of Iranian-supplied drones has further escalated the danger, with long-range UAS becoming a preferred tool for asymmetric warfare by Iran-backed proxies. These drones, often low-cost and expendable, pose a significant challenge to traditional air defense systems like the Iron Dome, which rely on expensive interceptors.

The Iron Beam addresses this challenge by offering a sustainable, cost-effective solution. Unlike missile-based systems, lasers have virtually unlimited “ammunition” as long as power is available, dramatically reducing the cost per intercept. This makes them ideal for countering swarms of drones or loitering munitions, a tactic increasingly employed by Israel’s adversaries.

Despite its promise, the Iron Beam is not without limitations, which provide a balanced perspective on its capabilities: Laser weapons have a limited “magazine depth,” meaning they can only fire a certain number of successive shots before thermal loads require the system to cool down. This restricts their ability to engage large waves of threats without interruption. Heavy cloud cover, rain, or fog can degrade laser performance by scattering or absorbing the beam, reducing its effectiveness. As noted by Rotem in a previous interview with the Times of Israel, “We can only shoot down with a laser what we can see.” The Iron Beam functions as a point-defense weapon with a relatively short range, necessitating multiple systems to protect larger areas. Even a single military base might require several units for comprehensive coverage.

These limitations highlight that while the Iron Beam is a powerful tool, it is not a standalone solution but rather a complement to Israel’s existing air defense network.

Integration with Existing Systems

The Iron Beam is designed to work alongside, not replace, kinetic systems like the Iron Dome, which has proven highly effective against rockets and missiles. This layered approach enhances Israel’s multi-tiered air defense strategy, combining the precision and cost-efficiency of lasers with the proven reliability of missile interceptors. The Iron Beam’s ability to handle drones and smaller threats frees up the Iron Dome to focus on larger, more complex targets, optimizing resource allocation in high-intensity conflicts.

Future Developments

The combat debut of the Iron Beam has sparked interest in further advancements in laser technology. Israeli defense company Elbit Systems responded to the news with a tweet featuring an illustration of a pod-based laser weapon mounted on an F-16 fighter jet, accompanied by the caption: “At Elbit Systems, hundreds of engineers and experts are working every day on the next frontier: airborne high-power laser systems. This is our mission. This is our future.” This suggests that Israel may be exploring airborne laser systems, potentially for integration into fighter jets, which could extend the technology’s reach beyond ground-based defenses.

Globally, Israel’s pioneering use of laser weapons could serve as a model for other nations facing similar threats. As directed-energy technology matures, it has the potential to revolutionize air defense by offering a flexible, scalable alternative to traditional systems. Rafael’s roadmap—culminating in the Iron Beam’s full deployment by the end of 2025—positions Israel at the forefront of this transformation.

The deployment of this laser technology represents a turning point in Israel’s approach to countering aerial threats, particularly in a region where UAS and other airborne systems have become increasingly prevalent. Traditional air defense systems, while effective, can be costly and resource-intensive, especially when dealing with large numbers of low-cost drones or loitering munitions. Directed energy weapons like the laser system offer a more sustainable solution, with the potential for unlimited “ammunition” as long as power is available, and significantly lower costs per intercept compared to missile-based systems.

Rafael’s statement also emphasized the strategic importance of the Iron Beam system, which is set to be delivered to the Ministry of Defense later this year. “This system marks the beginning of a new era in warfare—one that will soon expand with the delivery of Iron Beam, Rafael’s next-generation laser weapon designed to reshape the future of air defense,” the company said. The Iron Beam’s ability to engage a wider range of threats, including mortars and rockets, will further enhance Israel’s defensive posture, providing a layered approach to air defense that integrates both kinetic and directed energy solutions.

Iron Beam can engage many targets at a drastically reduced cost. In April 2022, Israel’s then-Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated that Iron Beam was able to shoot down targets at a cost of $3.50 per shot. this is a huge difference compared to the roughly $50,000 price tag — which is among the lowest estimates — for a single Tamir interceptor missile.

The successful use of the prototype laser in combat not only validates the technology but also sets the stage for its wider adoption. As Rafael moves toward full-rate production of the Iron Beam in 2025, the lessons learned from the current deployment will likely inform refinements and improvements to the system. The company’s collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Air Force has been instrumental in bringing this technology from the development phase to operational use, and this partnership will continue to drive innovation in the field of directed energy weapons.

For Israel, the operationalization of this laser system comes at a critical time. The country faces a complex and evolving threat landscape, with adversaries increasingly relying on UAS and other aerial systems to conduct attacks. The ability to neutralize these threats quickly and efficiently is essential for protecting both military assets and civilian populations. The prototype laser’s performance in the Swords of Iron War has already demonstrated its value, and the forthcoming Iron Beam system promises to build on that success.

Looking ahead, the integration of directed energy weapons into Israel’s air defense network could serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar challenges. As the technology matures and becomes more widely available, it has the potential to transform how militaries around the world approach air defense, offering a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional systems.

Israel’s deployment of a prototype laser system to intercept UAS and other aerial threats represents a major advancement in military technology. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Air Force, this system has already proven its effectiveness in combat, achieving high interception rates and protecting lives and assets. With the more powerful Iron Beam system set to enter production in 2025, Israel is poised to further strengthen its air defense capabilities, ushering in a new era of warfare where directed energy weapons play a central role in countering modern threats.