According to the New York Post, the Israeli Ministry of Defense has just announced that the Israel Defense Forces has officially received a laser interceptor system called Iron Beam. This is the world's first high-power laser system to reach combat readiness and has been handed over to the military.
Iron Beam is developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. In large-scale tests, the system has successfully intercepted missiles, mortars and unmanned aerial vehicles. This technology will be integrated into the Israeli Air Force and participate in a multi-layered air defense network with Iron Dome, David's Sling and Arrow.
In which, Iron Dome undertakes the low-altitude defense layer to intercept rockets and UAVs. David's Sling is in charge of the medium-altitude layer with the target being more dangerous missiles. Arrow is a long-range defense line, intercepting ballistic missiles at very high altitudes. Iron Beam is placed at the lowest layer, using lasers to handle small targets faster and more economically.
According to AFP, Israeli Defense Minister Katz called this a historic milestone. He believes that the deployment of Iron Beam will change the defense situation on the ground and send a strong deterrent message to the opponents.
The laser system is assessed to significantly improve Israel's defense capabilities, especially in terms of combat costs. Each laser firing is much cheaper than intercepting with missiles as it is today.
Leaders of the Ministry of National Defense and representatives of the development unit emphasized that Israel will continue to promote the application of advanced technologies in practice to maintain technological advantages in the region. Iron Beam is considered the starting step for the energy-oriented air defense revolution that Israel has pursued for many years.
