Iron Beam: Israel’s Laser Weapon That Shoots Down Rockets & Drones

Iron Beam is Israel’s newly operational high-energy laser defense system, introduced in late 2025 as a complement to the existing Iron Dome missile defense. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Iron Beam targets short-range threats such as rockets, mortar rounds, and small drones, which are difficult and costly to intercept with traditional missiles. Instead of firing physical interceptors, Iron Beam uses a laser to rapidly heat and destroy targets, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution that can engage threats continuously as long as power is available. The strategic significance of Iron Beam lies in its operational advantages: it eliminates the need for missile reloads and stockpile management during prolonged conflicts, operates at the speed of light, and reduces collateral damage by minimizing debris from interceptions. It integrates seamlessly with Israel’s existing radar and command systems, enabling coordinated defense by assigning threats to the most suitable interceptor. While it does not replace missile defenses due to limitations like weather and range, Iron Beam serves as the innermost layer of Israel’s air