Rafael and IMOD complete development of Iron Beam laser weapon
Peter Felstead
Development of Rafael’s Iron Beam 450 high-energy laser weapon (HELW) is now complete, with delivery to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) due to take place soon, the company announced on 17 September 2025.
The Iron Beam 450 HELW has been produced by Rafael in a development headed by the Israel Ministry of Defense’s (IMOD’s) Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D) in conjunction with the Israeli Air Force (IAF), with Elbit Systems manufacturing the 100 kW laser source. A series of tests with the system have been successfully completed over the last several weeks at a facility in southern Israel. These have concluded the system’s development phase, representing the final milestone before the system is delivered to the IDF for operational deployment.
During the tests the system proved its effectiveness in a an operational configuration by intercepting rockets, mortars, aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across what Rafael described as a comprehensive range of operational scenarios. The first systems are set to be integrated into the IDF air defence network by the end of the year.
“The Iron Beam system represents a global technological and engineering breakthrough, expected to integrate into Israel’s multi-layered defence array as a complementary capability to the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow air defence systems. The system utilises Rafael’s unique ‘adaptive optics’ technology, enabling a stable, focused, and precise beam,” the company stated.
Rafael claimed in a 28 May 2025 press release that its short-range tactical laser systems had intercepted “scores of enemy threats” during the Swords of Iron War, which is what the IDF call operations in Gaza and elsewhere following the 7 October 2023 terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas militants.
“Now that the Iron Beam’s performance has been proven, we anticipate a significant leap in air defence capabilities through the deployment of these long-range laser weapon systems,” Rafael stated.
The head of the DDR&D, Brigadier General (Res) Dr Daniel Gold, was quoted by Rafael as stating, “The Iron Beam system exemplifies the exceptional capabilities of our defence industries under the DDR&D’s leadership – combining creativity, innovation, and ingenuity with outstanding management and execution. We’ve achieved global technological superiority through deployment on the battlefield by successfully integrating conventional defence industries and start-up companies. Following these successful trials, we’re confident that combining laser and missile interceptors will significantly strengthen our defence envelope against rockets, missiles, UAVs and emerging threats.”
The head of the DDR&D’s R&D Unit, Brigadier General Yehuda Elmakayes, added, “Completing the Iron Beam capability demonstration marks the dawn of the era of widespread laser systems. After years of development and engineering led by our R&D Unit, in partnership with the IAF, Rafael, Elbit and our defence industries, we’ve reached the stage where high-power laser systems are integral to Israel’s air defence array. Through the R&D Unit’s leadership at the DDR&D, Iron Beam will be the first step toward integrating directed-energy weapons across all IDF defence and manoeuvring systems.”
