Analysis of the Iron Beam, Israel’s $1.2 billion laser defence system capable of shooting down missiles and drones at long range.
In response to growing air threats, Israel is developing the Iron Beam, a laser defence system capable of destroying missiles, rockets and drones from a distance of 7 kilometres. The project, backed by $1.2 billion in aid from the United States, is designed to complement existing systems such as the Iron Dome. The Iron Beam is distinguished by its extremely low interception cost, just €2 per shot, and unrivalled accuracy, paving the way for a new era in air defence.
The strategic need for laser defence in Israel
Israel, a nation often faced with aerial threats, has developed a sophisticated multi-layered defence to protect its citizens and infrastructure. Systems such as Arrow 3, David’s Sling and Iron Dome have proved their effectiveness in intercepting various types of missiles and drones. However, these systems have their limitations, not least the high cost of interception. Each Tamir missile used by the Iron Dome costs between €37,000 and €46,000, which is becoming economically untenable in the face of massive or continuous attacks by low-cost drones, often used by militant groups.
The current situation is a real game of numbers. The attacks are designed to saturate Israeli defences and deplete stocks of interceptor missiles. During the night attack on 13 April 2024, more than 300 drones and missiles were launched at Israel by Iran and Hezbollah. Although the majority were intercepted, nine missiles succeeded in reaching their targets, underlining the need for a system that does not depend on limited stocks of munitions. This is where the Iron Beam comes in, offering an inexhaustible defence capability as long as it has an energy source.
Iron Beam: a high-energy laser for air defence
Iron Beam, officially known as the ‘Shield of Light’, is a 100-kilowatt class high-energy laser developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The system is designed to destroy airborne threats such as missiles, rockets and drones at a range of up to 7 kilometres. Unlike traditional defence systems, the Iron Beam does not require physical ammunition; it operates as long as it has access to an energy source. This represents a paradigm shift in air defence, where the cost per intercept is reduced to around €2, a fraction of the cost of current interceptors.
The Iron Beam will not replace the Iron Dome, but will complement it. The laser is particularly effective against short-range targets, where it can destroy threats at high speed and with great precision. This means that more expensive interceptors can be reserved for targets that require a more robust response. If successful, the Iron Beam could provide Israel with a virtually invincible air defence, able to cope with waves of relentless attacks without running out of ammunition.
Economic and operational benefits of the laser
One of the main advantages of the Iron Beam is its cost-effectiveness. Traditional interceptors, although effective, are expensive and their repeated use against low-cost threats such as drones or homemade rockets is economically disadvantageous. For example, the Shahed-136 drones used by Iran cost less than €28,000 each, while the Qassam rockets manufactured by Hamas cost less than €930. Responding to these threats with missiles costing tens of thousands of euros is not viable in the long term.
The Iron Beam laser changes this dynamic. In addition to its extremely low cost per shot, the system also reduces the risk of collateral damage. Unlike interceptor missiles, which can cause damage if they don’t hit their target, a laser has no residual effect; it generates no debris and has no explosive charge that could fall back to the ground.
Tests carried out in 2022 demonstrated the Iron Beam’s ability to intercept a variety of targets, paving the way for accelerated deployment. With financial support of $1.2 billion from the United States, the system should be operational within the next few years, providing Israel with a durable and effective defence solution.
The challenge of laser systems: from concept to reality
Despite the promises, the integration of high-energy lasers into practical defence systems has encountered several challenges over the years. Previous attempts, such as the US Navy’s XN-1 LaWS system, have demonstrated the technical difficulties associated with laser stabilisation and firing accuracy on small moving targets. These systems have failed to prove their effectiveness in real combat environments, often due to disparities between results in the laboratory and those in the field.
However, the Iron Beam could overcome these obstacles thanks to a number of innovations. The miniaturisation of components, advances in energy generation and storage and improvements in targeting technologies make lasers more viable today than ever before. Using fibre and electric lasers from the industrial sector, the Iron Beam stands out for its ability to concentrate energy on targets kilometres away, a technological feat that could well change the rules of the game.
The potential impact on American and global defence
If the Iron Beam proves effective in real-life conditions, it could not only strengthen Israeli defence, but also serve as a model for other nations, including the United States. The ability to deploy a reliable laser defence system would allow the US to protect its bases and ships abroad, while also providing a defence against drone attacks on home territory.
In addition, the Iron Beam could pave the way for the export of laser systems to other allied countries, strengthening collective defence capabilities. Israel’s success in this area would provide valuable data on the maintenance, repairs and logistics required to keep a laser system operational, crucial information for the future development of similar systems elsewhere.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.