'Historic occasion changes the rules of the game'

Defense Ministry hands IDF first combat-ready Iron Beam laser interception system

High-power aerial defense system has successfully intercepted rockets, mortars and drones in testing, is set to be absorbed by the Israeli Air Force

The Defense Ministry announced on Sunday the delivery of the first operational high-power laser interception system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., dubbed “Iron Beam,” to the Israel Defense Forces.

The system, which has successfully intercepted rockets, mortar shells and drones during extensive testing, will be absorbed by the air force and integrated into the country’s multi-layered air defense array alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow systems.

Calling the handover “a historic occasion,” Defense Minister Israel Katz said the system marks “the first time in the world that a high-power laser interception system has reached operational maturity,” adding that it “changes the rules of the game and sends a clear message to all our enemies… do not test us.”

Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram said the delivery “marks the transition from development to serial production,” calling Iron Beam “only the beginning of the technological revolution” and noting it is expected to significantly improve both Israel’s defensive capabilities and the cost balance between threats and costly interceptors.

IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar described the moment as “especially moving,” saying the system is “another vital component in the air defense battle of our forces, who proved their operational capabilities during the war.”

Rafael CEO Yoav Turgeman said the company is “proud to deliver… the most advanced laser system in the world for intercepting aerial threats,” noting that even during intense fighting, Rafael “proved impressive operational capabilities using high-power lasers.”

Bezhalel Machlis, president and CEO of Elbit Systems — which supplied the laser for the system — also welcomed the delivery, saying that “the company continues its work on the development of high-power laser solutions for military applications.”

The system is referred to in Hebrew as Or Eitan (Eitan’s Light) in memory of Cpt. Eitan Oster, 22, a commander in the Egoz Commando Unit who was killed fighting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon in October 2024. His father – one of the system’s developers – recited the Shehecheyanu, a Jewish blessing that expresses appreciation for new and special experiences, at the ceremony.

On December 1, it was announced that the Iron Beam would be handed over to the IDF at the end of the month, with the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development head Danny Gold saying that “with development complete and a comprehensive testing program that has validated the system’s capabilities, we are prepared to deliver initial operational capability to the IDF.”

The Iron Beam has been in development for over a decade, after it was first unveiled in 2014. It was declared operational in September after completing development and final tests.

The system is not meant to replace the Iron Dome or other air defense systems, but to supplement and complement them, shooting down smaller projectiles and leaving larger ones for the more robust missile-based batteries such as the David’s Sling and Arrow systems.

As long as there is a constant source of energy for the laser, there is no risk of it ever running out of ammunition. Officials have hailed the system as a potential “game-changer” in the battle against projectile attacks.

The main downside of a laser system is that it does not function well in low visibility, including heavy cloud cover or other inclement weather.