Elbit Systems is advancing Israel’s air defense capabilities by creating an airborne version of the Iron Beam laser weapon for the Israeli Air Force. This marks a significant step in extending the reach and flexibility of Israel’s cutting-edge directed-energy systems.
The original ground-based Iron Beam, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, employs a powerful 100 to 150-kilowatt solid-state laser mounted on trucks. It is capable of intercepting drones, rockets, and cruise missiles, doing so at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional missile interceptors.
By shifting the technology into the skies, Elbit Systems aims to transform Iron Beam from a static defense system into a mobile aerial platform, capable of engaging threats from greater distances and with faster response times.
This adaptation could enable Israel to deploy the Iron Beam well beyond its fixed defense positions, strengthening its ability to neutralize evolving airborne threats across wider areas.
