Israel's Anti-missile Laser System Iron Beam Ready To Be Used By The Military This Year

Israel's Iron Beam defense system. (Source: Israel's Ministry of Defense)

JAKARTA - Low-cost and high-power laser-based defense systems aimed at destroying incoming missiles have successfully completed testing and will be ready for operational use by the military later this year, the Israeli Ministry of Defense said on Wednesday.

Iron Beam is a ground-based high-power laser air defense system designed to counter air threats, including rockets, mortars, and UAVs.

Developed by Rafael Advance Defense Systems and Elbit Systems, "Iron Beam" will complement Israel's Iron Dome, David's Sling and Arrow antimissile system, which has been used to intercept rockets or drones launched into the country.

"Setelah kinerja Iron Beam terbukti, kami mengantisipasi jump signifikan dalam kemampuan pertahanan udara melalui pengerahan sistem senjata laser jarak jauh ini," ujar kementerian, dikutip dari Reuters 19 September.

After years of development, the ministry said it had tested Iron Beam for several weeks in southern Israel and proved its effectiveness in "complete operational configurations by intercepting rockets, mortars, aircraft, and UAVs in various comprehensive operational scenarios".

The current interceptor rocket costs at least $50,000 per unit, while the cost of lasers is relatively small, mainly focused on small missiles and drones.

"This is the first time in the world a high-power laser interception system has reached full operational maturity," said Israeli Ministry of Defense Director General Amir Baram.

Meanwhile, Rafael Chairman Yuval Steinitz said Iron Beam, which was built with the company's adaptive optics technology, "would undoubtedly become a game-changing system with an unprecedented impact on modern warfare".

Meanwhile, Elbit is developing a high-power laser for other military applications, "which is primarily an air laser that has the potential to bring strategic changes to air defense capabilities," said Bezhalel Machlis.