High-energy laser weapon system with AI fire control for autonomous intercept of rockets, mortars, UAVs, and anti-tank missiles at near-zero cost per shot.
Iron Beam's near-zero marginal cost per interception is transformative for the economics of air defense, as current interceptor missiles cost between $50,000 and $3 million each and are being consumed at unsustainable rates defending against cheap Iranian-made drones and rockets. The system uses a 100-kilowatt class laser and AI beam control to hold the beam precisely on moving targets long enough to cause structural failure despite atmospheric turbulence and target evasive maneuvering. Israel plans to deploy Iron Beam as a forward layer of its tiered air defense architecture to handle the high-volume low-cost threat while preserving interceptor missiles for advanced threats.
Successful interception tests 2022; planned for operational deployment 2025; supplement to Iron Dome
Rafael is privately held. Elbit Systems (ESLT) provides supporting laser components. The Iron Beam program's success could drive widespread adoption of laser air defense and benefit component suppliers like II-VI (IIVI) for laser sources.