Delivery of Iron Beam Laser System to Israeli Army Finalized
Israel’s Defense Ministry R&D chief announced that the Iron Beam laser system, after years of development and testing, is entering initial operational capability. The system is scheduled for official handover to the Israeli army by December 30, 2025.
According to Israeli claims, Iron Beam can fundamentally alter battlefield dynamics, while work on next‑generation laser interceptors has already begun. The system has been in development for over a decade, and in recent months its prototype was used to down Hezbollah drones launched from Lebanon.
Read more: Iron Beam Laser Air Defense System
Iron Beam is part of Israel’s effort to strengthen layered air defenses. Laser technology offers far cheaper shots compared to missile interceptors, reducing the financial burden of prolonged conflicts.
Despite these claims, laser systems still face limitations such as dependence on weather, need for direct line of sight, and difficulty against fast or multiple targets. Iron Beam will serve as a complement to existing defenses, though its operational constraints may pose challenges in wartime.
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