The system is designed to destroy short-range rockets, artillery, and mortar bombs, and is expected to be deployed in October 2025.[5] It has a range of up to 10 km (6.2 mi), complementing the Iron Dome system which was designed to intercept missiles launched from a greater distance.[4][6] In addition, the system could also intercept unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs; drones) at a cost of US$2-5 per interception.[7] Iron Beam will constitute the fifth element of Israel's integrated missile defense system,[4] in addition to Arrow 2, Arrow 3, David's Sling and Iron Dome.[8]
Characteristics
Iron Beam uses a fiber laser to generate a laser beam to destroy an airborne target. Whether acting as a stand-alone system or with external cueing as part of an air-defense system, a threat is detected by a surveillance system and tracked by vehicle platforms in order to engage.
In 2016, laser power levels were reported to be "tens of kilowatts".[9] While official information is not available, a 2020 report said that Iron Beam was thought to have a maximum effective range of up to 7 km, and could destroy missiles, UAVs (drones), and mortar shells around four seconds after the twin high-energy fiber-optic lasers make contact with their target.[10] By 2023, energy levels could reach 100 kW or more and the system could focus a beam to the diameter of a coin at a distance of 10 km (6.2 mi).[11]
Advantages
The main benefits of using a directed energy weapon over conventional missile interceptors are lower costs per shot, unlimited number of firings, lower operational costs, and less manpower. There is also no interceptor debris to fall on the area protected. It has been argued, since 2014 at least, that a directed energy weapon could be the missing element to Israel's existing layered defence strategies.[12]
Disadvantages
Disadvantages of energy weapons include the requirement for the beam to penetrate the atmosphere; clouds may prevent use. The beam must be held on the target, which may be spinning, for several seconds (the "dwell time") before enough energy is delivered to destroy it. This makes it difficult to stop a barrage of several missiles even if the system is effective, so that volley fire of interceptors continues to be required. There is also the possibility of rockets being sheathed in heat-resistant material to withstand an energy beam for longer.[13] Energy weapons may be more effective against slower-flying drones, with relatively delicate rotors, control flaps, and guidance systems vulnerable to shorter laser attack, than fast rockets. This technology may also prove effective against paratroopers.
A tiered defense concept, involving Multi-Mission High Energy Laser and High Energy Laser Tactical Vehicle.
Cost
The cost of each interception is negligible, unlike expensive missile interceptors—a few dollars direct cost per shot, and around US$2,000 to cover all costs, against $100,000 to $150,000 per interceptor firing.[10] However, setting up and deploying an energy weapon such as Iron Beam is costly; despite the low cost per firing, it may not be the most cost-efficient defence.[13]
As of 2016[update], the Iron Beam had been funded mainly by the Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD), with Rafael pursuing increasing the range of the system and partnering with other companies to further develop the prototype.[9][14] In December 2022, Rafael and Lockheed Martin announced a joint effort to develop a laser defense system based on the Iron Beam project. The aim is to produce a system made up of a pair of solid-state lasers that, when combined, could boost power up to 300 kW, and to use more than one beam to simultaneously attack multiple targets.[15]
Demonstrator Laser Weapon System, White Sands, 2017Ambassador Tom Nides with IDF and US Defense personnel before the aerial defense system at Ben Gurion Airport, 13 July 2022
On July 18, 1996, the United States and Israel entered into an agreement to produce a cooperative Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL), called the Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrator, which would utilize deuterium fluoridechemical laser technologies. THEL conducted test firing in FY1998, and Initial Operating Capability (IOC) was planned in FY1999. However, this was significantly delayed. In 2000 and 2001 THEL shot down 28 Katyushaartillery rockets and five artillery shells. On November 4, 2002, THEL shot down an incoming artillery shell. In 2005, the US and Israel decided to cancel the THEL after the project budget had surpassed $300 million. The decision came as a result of "its bulkiness, high costs and poor anticipated results on the battlefield."[16]
Based on 14 years of research and development in solid-state lasers as of 2024, the new Iron Beam system is under development by Rafael (in collaboration with Lockheed Martin for the US market[18]) and funded by the Israeli Ministry of Defense. The Iron Beam concept, as a part of a multi-layered defense, was announced at the Singapore Airshow in 2014.[19] A demonstrator Laser Weapons System was operating by 2017.[20] An Iron Beam battery is composed of an air defense radar, a command and control (C2) unit, and two HEL (high-energy laser) systems. It was intended to be mobile[21] and to be able to be used standalone,[7] but was later rendered non-mobile to address weight and power availability concerns and integrated into Iron Dome to reduce complexity.[22] As of 2023 it is capable of 100kW of power focused on the diameter of a coin after 10km of travel.[23]
In April 2022, the Israeli Ministry of Defense and Rafael announced that in a series of experiments the system successfully shot down drones, rockets, mortar bombs, and antitank missiles at White Sands Missile Range.[24] The military pushed for an earlier deployment, possibly due to concerns that there would not be sufficient Iron Dome projectiles to combat attacks; Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said in February 2022 that Israel would deploy the system within the year.[25] However, in October 2022 Rafael said it expects to take "two to three years" to deploy the 100-kW weapon operationally.[22][26]
In May 2023, Rafael unveiled the Naval Iron Beam meant for installation on ships. The system is designed to emit 100 kW out to "several kilometers" to protect vessels against drone swarms and anti-ship missiles. The naval version maintains the same turret external dimensions and can be configured to be integrated onto ship superstructures or in containerized modules to be embarked when needed. The Naval Iron Beam is planned to be operational within four to five years and first be fitted to the Israeli Navy's Reshef-class corvette.[27][28]
In October 2023, the Ministry of Defense and Rafael announced that they would deploy Iron Beam to the southern border with the Gaza Strip to test it with rocket barrages fired by Hamas during 2023 Israel–Hamas war.[29]
Col. Nir Weingold, head of the Israeli Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure (Maf'at, מפא"ת), said in January 2024 "The Iron Beam will be implemented in the Iron Dome. Then it will decide whether to use the laser or a missile to shoot down the threat. We believe it will be operational by the end of 2025."[1][2]
A smaller adaptation called the Lite Beam was displayed in October 2024. It can be mounted on light vehicles and destroy drones, rockets, mortars, and IEDs. The beam has a power output of 10 kW and a range of 2,000 m. The Lite Beam is combined with the Samson 30 mm RWS to provide multiple force protection options for mobile units against drone threats.[30][31]
Deployment
As of October 2024, deployment of Iron Beam is scheduled for October 2025.[5]
