At AUSA 2022, the Association of United States Army defense exhibition, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems presents for the first time its IRON BEAM High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS).
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Rafael Iron Beam High Energy Laser Weapon System. (Picture source: Rafael)

RAFAEL’s IRON BEAM is a 100kW class High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) is the first laser system of its kind to have been documented intercepting a range of aerial threats. It is on track to become the first operational laser-based defense system that effectively intercepts a wide spectrum of threats – including RAM and UAVs as well as swarms of mini-UAVs – with pinpoint accuracy from a range of a few hundred yards to up to several miles. IRON BEAM is designed to complement the world-renowned IRON DOME air defense system, bolstering RAFAEL's multi-layered defense portfolio.

The Iron Beam is designed to intercept a wide range of threats such as RAM and UAVs from a distance of a few hundred meters to up to several kilometers. The system can be also integrated into multiple platforms such as combat vehicles, aerial systems, or ships.

In April 2022, Rafael announced that the Iron Beam was successfully tested and has conducted interception of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), mortars, rockets, and anti-tank missiles during various scenarios.

The Iron Beam tests were the first phase of a multi-year program led by the Israeli Ministry of Defense and Israeli defense industries. The program aims to develop a high-power ground and aerial laser system equipped to deal with long-range, high-intensity threats.

Citing information published by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the Iron Beam laser weapon system will complement the Iron Dome counter-artillery air defense missile system and will be an effective and economically efficient addition to Israel’s multi-tiered air defense array.