Israel launches the operational IronBeam laser system to enhance the interception of aerial threats alongside the Iron Dome
Israel’s Defense Ministry announced Sunday that it has introduced the first laser-powered defense system, known as the IronBeam, into service to counter any aerial threats.
The system was handed over to the Israeli Air Force during an official ceremony in northern Israel by its two main developers, the Defense Ministry’s Research and Development Department and the defense industries company Rafael.
A statement quoted Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz as saying during the ceremony, “For the first time in the world, a high-power laser interception system is reaching full operational readiness and successfully executing multiple interception operations”.
“This enormous achievement sends a decisive message to our enemies, near and far: don’t test us, otherwise the consequences will be dire”.
The delivery marks a milestone in a more than decade-old project developed in partnership with state-owned military industries Rafael and private defense group Elbit.
Rafael Chairman Yuval Steinitz said, “Israel has become the first country in the world to deploy an operational laser system to intercept aerial threats, including rockets and missiles”.
The laser system is intended to enhance Israel’s ability to intercept projectiles, and will be added to its other air defense systems, most notably the Iron Dome.
The Iron Dome provides short-range protection against missiles and missiles, while the David’s Sling system and generations of Israeli-US Arrow missiles are designed to intercept ballistic missiles.
The Ministry of Defense announced in early December that the development of the laser system would be completed, with it expected to enter service at the end of the month.
