Israel has officially announced the successful development of the world’s first operational laser-based air defense system. The Iron Beam high-power laser interceptor, jointly developed by the Ministry of Defense and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, completed a series of successful trials at a facility in southern Israel, the defense ministry confirmed.
From Iron Beam to “Ohr Eitan”
The system, to be renamed “Ohr Eitan” in memory of fallen soldier Eitan Oster—whose father was among its developers—demonstrated its ability to intercept rockets, mortars, drones and aircraft across varied combat scenarios. It is scheduled to be integrated into the Israel Defense Forces’ air defense network by the end of this year, complementing the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow systems.
A global breakthrough in military technology
Defense Minister Israel Katz hailed the achievement as a historic milestone, placing Israel at the forefront of global military innovation. “This capability delivers rapid, precise interceptions at minimal cost and reshapes the threat equation,” Katz said, warning adversaries from Gaza, Iran, Lebanon and Yemen that Israel is equally strong in defense and offense.
How it was built
The Iron Beam was developed through collaboration between the Ministry of Defense’s R&D Unit, the Israeli Air Force, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems, which provided the laser source. Unlike traditional missile interceptors, the laser system destroys threats with concentrated beams of light traveling at the speed of 185,000 miles per second, at a fraction of the cost of missile launches.
Changing the future of warfare
Yuval Steinitz, chairman of Rafael and former strategic affairs minister, called the development a turning point in military history. He noted that after decades of failed attempts by world powers to create laser weapons, a breakthrough at Rafael five years ago made the Iron Beam possible.
Steinitz highlighted that during recent conflicts, even the smallest of the devices intercepted dozens of drones with high success rates. The system, he added, will be operational by November and will strengthen Israel’s defenses against short- and medium-range rockets. Within four to five years, it is expected to counter long-range missiles as well.
Toward a laser-dominated battlefield
Steinitz predicted that within the next decade, laser defense could revolutionize warfare itself. “From ancient spears and arrows to today’s bombs and missiles, armies have always relied on physical projectiles,” he said. “With the laser, we are eliminating targets with beams of light. In the future, nothing hostile will be able to fly undetected in the skies, drones, missiles, aircraft, even bombs could all be neutralized.”
