Initial Combat Capability of Iron Beam Expected This Year

Arie Egozi - : Feb 5, 2025 - : 6:07 pm

Israel's laser-based Iron Beam air defence system could reduce the number of interceptors needed for close-range rocket defense by up to 20% compared to the currently used Iron Dome system. An unidentified Israeli defence source told GBP that the development...

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Israel's laser-based Iron Beam air defence system could reduce the number of interceptors needed for close-range rocket defense by up to 20% compared to the currently used Iron Dome system.

An unidentified Israeli defence source told GBP that the development of the system is continuing and that initial combat capability is expected at the end of the year. The thousands of rockets that have been launched by the Hamas in Gaza and the Hezbollah in Lebanon forced Israel to give a super high priority to the Iron Beam laser based air defence system.

Three weeks ago, the Israeli ministry of defence allocated US$500 million to accelerate the development. While US$200 million bhas been allocated to Elbit Systems that is developing the laser generator of the system, US$300millin has been granted to Rafael, the main contractor.

The laser system will be integrated alongside the Iron Dome system, also developed by Rafael and operational since 2011.

The control and command algorithms of the Iron Dome will determine when to activate the lasers and when to launch the Iron Dome’s kinetic interceptors, known as Tamir missiles, as well as which type of Tamir missile to launch. Some Tamir interceptors are equipped with special EO sensors , while others are guided by radar to their target.

Like the Iron Dome, the laser system is designed to intercept rockets, mortar shells, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and missiles.mThe laser system is intended to complement the Iron Dome rather than replace it. The Iron Dome succeeded in intercepting over 90% of the aerial threats launched from Gaza .

Defence Sources say that the initial effort is to develop an electric 100-150 kW solid state laser, which is capable of intercepting rockets and missiles. The idea is to use two laser guns to create the needed power.

A defence industry source said that in order to have a system that will be capable of intercepting more than short range rockets and missiles, Israel will need a laser generator that will be capable of producing a 1 Mega W beam. ''But this will take some more time,'' he said.

Israel / Elbit-systems / Iron-dome / Rafael-advanced-defense-systems / Iron-beam /

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