Iron Beam: Israel’s Laser-Based Missile Defense System Poised for Deployment

Israel is enhancing its defensive capabilities with the addition of Iron Beam, a system capable of rapidly tracking and neutralizing incoming missiles. The technology, developed jointly by Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, has completed its testing phase and is slated for deployment in the coming months. This laser-based system joins Israel’s existing multi-layered air defense architecture, which already incorporates Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow. These existing systems have proven their efficacy by intercepting numerous projectiles fired by militant groups such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen.