Israel’s Defense Ministry and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have officially handed over the first operational Iron Beam high-energy laser system to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), marking a significant milestone as the weapon transitions from development to active deployment.

The Iron Beam system is designed to intercept rockets, missiles, and drones using directed energy, providing rapid and precise defense capabilities. Unlike conventional missile interceptors such as the Iron Dome, which cost approximately $50,000 per interception, Iron Beam offers a low-cost alternative, with each interception estimated at around $2.

The handover ceremony highlighted Israel’s commitment to advancing its technological edge in air defense. By achieving operational deployment ahead of global peers, the IDF gains a powerful tool to protect civilians and strategic assets against increasingly sophisticated aerial threats.

Defense officials noted that Iron Beam complements existing defense systems, adding a scalable and cost-effective layer to Israel’s multi-tiered protective network. The deployment underscores the nation’s ongoing investment in cutting-edge defense technologies to maintain superiority in regional security.