Rafael Hands over Iron Beam laser to Israeli Air Force

Israel’s Ministry of Defense and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have delivered the first operational Iron Beam high-power laser air defense system to the Israel Defense Forces, the ministry said Sunday, marking the system’s formal entry into active service.

According to a statement from the Israel Ministry of Defense, the handover took place during an official ceremony at Rafael’s headquarters in northern Israel, attended by senior government, military, and defense-industry officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz and Israeli Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar.

The Iron Beam system will be integrated into the Israeli Air Force and incorporated into Israel’s multi-layered air defense architecture as a complementary capability alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow. The Ministry of Defense said the system has completed an extensive testing campaign and demonstrated successful interceptions of rockets, mortars, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

As noted by the Ministry, Iron Beam is a high-power laser interceptor designed to counter a range of aerial threats using a directed-energy approach rather than traditional interceptors. The system combines an advanced laser source with an electro-optical targeting system to engage targets with high precision at extended operational ranges.

The Ministry of Defense said development of the system was led by its Directorate of Defense Research and Development, known as DDR&D or MAFAT, in cooperation with Rafael as the prime contractor. Additional partners include Elbit Systems, which is responsible for the laser source, as well as SCD and Shafir Production Systems Ltd.

“The system, which proved its effectiveness in an extensive series of tests against various threats and successfully intercepted rockets, mortars, and UAVs, will be integrated into the IAF and incorporated into Israel’s multi-layered aerial defense array,” the Ministry said in its statement.

Rafael said the delivery represents the first time a high-power laser interceptor has reached operational status and been handed over to a military force. The company said Iron Beam introduces a different cost-per-intercept model compared with missile-based air defense systems, as laser engagements rely on electrical power rather than costly interceptors.

Rafael Chairman Dr. Yuval Steinitz and company President and CEO Yoav Tourgeman attended the ceremony, along with senior officers from the IDF Planning Directorate and the Ministry of Defense’s research and development units.

Elbit Systems said the delivered system is also known as Or Eitan, the Hebrew name for Iron Beam, and confirmed its role in supplying the laser source at the core of the platform. The company described the delivery as the transition of the laser system from development into operational capability.

Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems, said in a statement: “As Israel’s laser house, Elbit Systems is proud of its strategic partnership with the Ministry of Defense and welcomes the delivery of the Or Eitan system to the IDF. The company continues its work on the development of high-power laser solutions for military applications, with a focus on an airborne laser that may bring a strategic shift in air defense capabilities.”

The Ministry of Defense said Iron Beam is intended to operate as an additional layer within Israel’s existing air defense network, addressing short-range threats and complementing interceptor-based systems rather than replacing them. Officials said the system’s automation allows it to be operated efficiently while maintaining accuracy against multiple types of targets.

Israel has invested in layered air and missile defense systems for more than a decade in response to persistent rocket, missile, and drone threats, and Iron Beam represents the latest addition to that architecture following years of development and testing.