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Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has revealed the latest advancement in its high-energy laser weapon technology: the Iron Beam 450. This upgraded version of Israel’s combat-proven laser defense system now features a significantly larger 450mm beam director, nearly doubling the aperture of the previous 250mm model.
The enhanced beam director translates into improved operational capabilities. A wider aperture not only boosts engagement range and accuracy but also increases the system’s ability to maintain a stable and concentrated laser on fast-moving or small aerial threats, even under challenging environmental conditions.
Designed to intercept a wide range of threats, including rockets, drones, and mortars, Iron Beam 450 offers near-instantaneous response and minimal cost per interception. The system uses adaptive optics to maintain beam precision on targets as small as a coin from distances up to 10 kilometers. It operates without physical ammunition, providing a sustainable and cost-effective layer of air defense.
This new variant builds on operational experience gained during recent conflicts, where earlier versions of the Iron Beam were deployed to counter drone attacks, notably in engagements with Hezbollah during the Swords of Iron war.
According to the press release, alongside Iron Beam 450, Rafael is also presenting two other versions aimed at different operational needs:
- Iron Beam M is a mobile platform retaining the original 250mm beam director but optimized for on-the-move operations. It is designed for rapid deployment on 8×8 trucks used by maneuvering units.
- Lite Beam, a compact 10-kilowatt system, is intended for convoys or forward operating teams needing immediate laser-based protection. Its is deployed on 4×4 trucks or armored vehicles. Despite its smaller size, it maintains the key advantages of high-rate fire, minimal per-shot cost, and fast engagement time.
All three systems embody the core attributes of modern directed-energy weapons: flexibility, scalability, and affordability. As threats from drones and short-range projectiles become more sophisticated, systems like Iron Beam offer a glimpse into the future of layered defense, where light itself becomes a weapon.
Iron Beam 450 and its variants will be on display at the Paris Air Show, running June 16–22.
