Defense Ministry hands IDF first combat-ready Iron Beam laser interception system

The Defense Ministry announces the delivery of the first operational high-power laser interception system, dubbed “Iron Beam,” from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to the IDF.

The system, which has successfully intercepted rockets, mortar shells and drones during extensive testing, will be absorbed by the air force and integrated into Israel’s multi-layered air defense array alongside the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow systems.

Calling the handover “a historic occasion,” Defense Minister Israel Katz says the system marks “the first time in the world that a high-power laser interception system has reached operational maturity,” adding that it “changes the rules of the game and sends a clear message to all our enemies… do not test us.”

Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram says the delivery “marks the transition from development to serial production,” calling Iron Beam “only the beginning of the technological revolution” and noting it is expected to significantly improve both Israel’s defensive capabilities and the cost balance between threats and interceptors, which are expensive.

IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar describes the moment as “especially moving,” saying the system is “another vital component in the air defense battle of our forces, who proved their operational capabilities during the war.”

Rafael CEO Yoav Turgeman says the company is “proud to deliver… the most advanced laser system in the world for intercepting aerial threats,” noting that even during intense fighting, Rafael “proved impressive operational capabilities using high-power lasers.”

The system is also referred to as Or Eitan in memory of Capt. Eitan Oster, an IDF officer killed in combat in southern Lebanon, whose father – one of the system’s developers – recited the Shehecheyanu blessing, a prayer marking new and special experiences, at the ceremony.