In a major boost to its air defenses, Israel's Defense Ministry has begun deploying the Iron Beam high-power laser system across the country, marking the world's first operational use of such technology against aerial threats.
The rollout follows the official handover of the first combat-ready unit from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to the Israel Defense Forces on December 28, 2025, during a ceremony attended by top officials. Defense Minister Israel Katz called it a "historic occasion," emphasizing that Israel is now the first nation to field a fully operational high-power laser interceptor.
This changes the rules of the game and sends a clear message to our enemies," he said.Developed in collaboration with the ministry's Directorate of Defense Research and Development—led by Brig. Gen. (res.) Danny Gold—and Rafael, chaired by Dr. Yuval Steinitz, the system has already proven itself in rigorous tests, successfully downing rockets, mortars, and drones. Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram noted that multiple units are in production, signaling a swift transition to widespread deployment.
Iron Beam, known in Hebrew as "Or Eitan," complements existing systems like Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow by providing a cost-effective alternative—each interception costs just a few dollars compared to tens of thousands for traditional missiles.
This low-cost, unlimited "magazine" approach could transform how Israel handles saturation attacks from groups like Hezbollah or Hamas.Earlier prototypes saw limited combat use during ongoing conflicts, intercepting dozens of threats.
With full-scale rollout underway, officials say it strengthens Israel's multi-layered shield while paving the way for future laser advancements. As tensions persist across borders, this breakthrough underscores Israel's edge in defense innovation.
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