Infrastructure

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

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The IDF’s first operational high-power laser air defense system, “Iron Beam,” is displayed during a handover ceremony at a Rafael Advanced Defense Systems facility, Dec. 28, 2025. Credit: Defense Minister's Office.

Rafael's Iron Beam directed-energy system was handed to the IDF as a first operational, combat-ready laser air-defense system on Dec 28, 2025, with the Defense Ministry describing it as deployed in the field and operational at scale. The system is designed to intercept drones, rockets, missiles and mortars at low cost, and earlier Israeli laser systems were credited with shooting down around 40 Hezbollah drones in October 2024.

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