Rafael Delivers 1st Operational High-Power Laser System - Iron Beam to the IDF

Following a complex development process, the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems delivered the first Iron Beam laser system to the IDF this morning (Sunday) at an official ceremony held at Rafael’s headquarters in northern Israel. Senior officials from the Israel Ministry of Defense, IDF, and Rafael leadership attended the ceremony

The system, which proved its effectiveness in an extensive series of tests against various threats and successfully intercepted rockets, mortars, and UAVs, will be integrated into the IAF and incorporated into Israel’s multi-layered aerial defense array as a complementary capability to the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems.

The Iron Beam system represents a global technological and engineering breakthrough – a high-power laser system designed to counter various aerial threats. The system features an advanced laser source and a unique electro-optical targeting system, enabling the interception of a wide range of targets at an enhanced operational range, with maximum precision and superior efficiency – all at a negligible marginal cost, which constitutes the laser system’s primary advantage.

The R&D Unit within the Ministry’s DDR&D has spearheaded the system’s development in recent years, working alongside the primary contractor, Rafael. Additional partners include Elbit Systems as well as other defense industries, including SCD and Shafir Systems.

Defense Minister, Israel Katz: “Certain events truly merit the designation ‘historic milestone’ in the most precise sense. At this significant moment, we can all feel immense pride in the precedent established here today. For the first time globally, a high-power laser interception system has achieved full operational maturity, successfully executing multiple interceptions throughout an extensive trial series replicating diverse operational scenarios. My thanks to all who contributed to this extraordinary accomplishment. Your dedication has brought us to this historic occasion that fundamentally alters the threat calculus. This monumental achievement changes the rules of engagement and delivers a critical message to our enemies – near and far alike – do not challenge us, or face severe consequences. Our defensive strength is matched by our offensive capability. This message reverberates from Tehran to Sana’a to Beirut. We remain committed to preserving Israel’s security and technological edge, ensuring we stand resolute against future challenges.”

IMOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram: “The delivery of the first Iron Beam system to the IAF, with numerous additional systems already in production, marks the completion of our initial phase – the transition from development to serial manufacturing. This represents only the beginning of a technological revolution. Even as production continues, we are already advancing the development of next-generation defense systems for land and air deployment. Iron Beam now adds another layer to Israel’s multi-layered defense architecture and is expected to dramatically improve both our capability against complex threats and the cost-effectiveness equation between interception and threat.” Head of DDR&D, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold: “Today, Iron Beam integrates into Israel’s multi-layered air defense array – which has demonstrated its effectiveness defending the nation over the past two years – as a significant complementary capability. We remain committed to advancing the world’s most cutting-edge developments to operational deployment, further strengthening Israel’s qualitative edge and technological superiority.”

Rafael Chairman, Dr. Yuval Steinitz: “Today, December 28, 2025, marks the beginning of the era of high-energy laser defense. Israel has become the first country in the world to field an operational laser system for the interception of aerial threats, including rockets and missiles. This milestone was made possible by Rafael’s unique adaptive optics technology, representing a global scientific breakthrough. Rafael conceived, led, and brought this groundbreaking project – Iron Beam – from vision to reality, as part of its long-standing responsibility to strengthen and expand the scientific and technological advantage of the State of Israel.”

Rafael President & CEO, Yoav Tourgeman: “Rafael is proud to deliver today to the IDF the Iron Beam system – the world’s most advanced laser-based system for intercepting aerial threats. In a security environment where threats are evolving rapidly, Rafael has developed an unprecedented technological capability, transforming a visionary concept into an operational reality. Even during a particularly complex period of intensive combat, Rafael has demonstrated impressive operational performance using high-power laser technology. We take great pride in serving as a central pillar of Israel’s national security, built on a powerful combination of values, exceptional human capital, and breakthrough innovation. I would like to thank Rafael’s employees, who turn the impossible into possible every day, as well as our partners at the IMOD’s DDR&D, the IAF, and the defense industries that took part in this extraordinary development.”

IMOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram: “The delivery of the first Iron Beam system to the IAF, with numerous additional systems already in production, marks the completion of our initial phase – the transition from development to serial manufacturing. This represents only the beginning of a technological revolution. Even as production continues, we are already advancing the development of next-generation defense systems for land and air deployment. Iron Beam now adds another layer to Israel’s multi-layered defense architecture and is expected to dramatically improve both our capability against complex threats and the cost-effectiveness equation between interception and threat.”

IAF Commander, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar: “This moment, where an innovative and groundbreaking system that transforms operational reality is delivered from its developers into IDF hands, is especially significant. It continues our longstanding partnership, united by a single overarching purpose: safeguarding Israel’s security and defending its citizens. This adds another capability to our air defense forces, who have demonstrated exceptional operational proficiency during this war.”