Rafael expands Iron Beam laser family with new mobile variant on Tatra chassis.

At the AUSA 2024 exhibition, the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems introduced a new version of its Iron Beam High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS), mounted on a Tatra T815-7 8x8 truck chassis. Expected to be operational by late 2025, this 100kW system aims to provide a cost-effective component of Israel's air defense by countering drones, rockets, and mortars.
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To date, the Iron Beam family includes multiple versions under development, such as a 100kW variant, this 50kW mobile truck-mounted Iron Beam-Mobile (Iron Beam-M), and a lighter 10kW system, Lite Beam, designed for larger infantry vehicles. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

To date, the Iron Beam family includes multiple versions under development, such as the 50kW mobile truck-mounted Iron Beam-Mobile (Iron Beam-M), expected to complete its 18-month development phase by late 2025, and a lighter 10kW system, Lite Beam, designed for larger infantry vehicles and anticipated to be operational within two years.

On September 12, 2024, Yoav Turgeman, CEO of Rafael, confirmed that the Iron Beam would be deployed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 2025. This laser system will integrate with the Iron Dome, allowing coordination between missile interceptors and the laser-based system. According to Rafael, the Iron Beam can direct up to 100 kilowatts of laser power at aerial targets, destroying them in seconds. The effective range of the system, which can handle short- and medium-range threats, is up to 7 kilometers, depending on weather conditions and the type of target. The system has undergone tests, including those conducted by the IDF in 2022, demonstrating its ability to intercept drones, mortar bombs, and missiles.

One notable aspect of the Iron Beam system is its lower cost per interception compared to traditional missile systems. Each use of the Iron Beam is estimated to cost up to $1,000, significantly less than the $40,000 to $50,000 per interception for the Tamir missiles used in the Iron Dome. The system also has an unlimited firing capacity, requiring no reloads, and reduces the potential for collateral damage by not producing debris from intercepted threats. This is particularly relevant in light of ongoing military engagements, where Israel has faced a shortage of Iron Dome missiles, and the economic impact of the Gaza conflict has exceeded $67.3 billion, according to Israeli economists.

 Each use of the Iron Beam is estimated to cost up to $1,000, significantly less than the $40,000 to $50,000 per interception for the Tamir missiles used in the Iron Dome. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Turgeman also highlighted the effectiveness of Rafael's Python 4 and Python 5 missiles, which have countered drones and cruise missiles during recent Iranian attacks. While the Python 4 missile has been in service for several decades, Rafael continues to develop the "Skysonic" system, aimed at providing hypersonic interception capabilities.

Rafael has been working on directed-energy systems for over 30 years. In collaboration with Lockheed Martin, it is developing an enhanced version of the Iron Beam, which could achieve power levels up to 300 kW by using multiple beams to engage several targets simultaneously. This development is funded by the Israeli Ministry of Defense. At AUSA 2024, Rafael confirmed that the 100kW version is entering production, with fielding expected by the end of next year.

The Iron Beam, also known as "Magen Or" or "Shield of Light," was first revealed at the Singapore Airshow in 2014. The system uses fiber laser technology to intercept various aerial threats, including short-range rockets, artillery, mortar bombs, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It can function as a stand-alone system or as part of a larger air defense network. The Iron Beam is part of Israel's broader missile defense strategy, complementing systems such as Arrow 2, Arrow 3, David's Sling, and Iron Dome. A naval version is also under development for Israeli Navy ships, such as the Reshef-class corvette, with operational readiness expected within four to five years.

Rafael is also developing the smaller Lite Beam system, which is compatible with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and the Boxer Infantry Fighting Vehicle. (Picture source: Rafael)

Rafael is also developing mobile variants of the Iron Beam, including the Iron Beam-Mobile and Lite Beam systems, aimed at providing flexible coverage for NATO and similar forces in dynamic operations. These smaller systems can move with ground forces, ensuring localized air defense in fast-paced maneuvers. Additionally, the company promotes compatibility with the US Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and the Boxer Infantry Fighting Vehicle/Armored Personnel Carrier, expanding its potential utility in coalition contexts.

In April 2022, tests confirmed the Iron Beam's ability to intercept drones, rockets, mortar bombs, and antitank missiles. Following these trials, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced plans to deploy the system to Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip, where it could be tested in active conflict scenarios, including during the 2023 Israel–Hamas conflict. The system is expected to reach full operational capacity by the end of 2025, with coordinated defense using both missile interceptors and laser technology. Moreover, Rafael, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, continues to enhance the Iron Beam's capabilities, with future developments expected to enable it to reach higher power levels and engage multiple threats simultaneously.

The Iron Beam's fiber laser system can achieve a maximum effective range of up to 7 kilometers, neutralizing targets within seconds of contact. By 2023, the technology had advanced to a point where the laser could deliver energy levels exceeding 100 kW, with the beam focused to the diameter of a coin at distances of up to 10 kilometers. However, the effectiveness of high-energy lasers like the Iron Beam can be influenced by atmospheric conditions such as rain or clouds, which may limit the laser's ability to hit its target. The system also requires sustained focus on a moving target for several seconds to deliver enough energy to destroy it, which could reduce its effectiveness against multiple simultaneous threats, such as rocket barrages. In addition, certain targets may be equipped with materials designed to resist laser attacks, further limiting the system’s effectiveness.