Israel’s ‘Iron Beam’, the first-of-its-kind defensive laser-system will be highly cost-efficient, as each use would cost just a few dollars as opposed to a single Iron Dome interceptor missile that cost tens of thousands of dollars.
By Yoav Zitun
The Defense Ministry announced on Thursday it would be signing a contract in the coming days to begin procurement of an experimental high-end, laser-based rocket defense system.
The ground-based laser system — dubbed Iron Beam — was originally planned to generate a high-power laser beam at a volume of about 100 kilowatts in a bid to neutralize a host of airborne threats, including rockets, mortar shells, drones and missiles.
Successful Israeli Airborne Laser Weapon Test – June 2021
Senior security officials said the laser has proven more powerful than the ministry’s team initially aimed for without detailing the exact number of kilowatts of electricity it operates on.
The ground launchers will first be able to launch laser beams from the ground at ranges of about ten kilometers (6 miles) in order to shoot down rockets fired from the Gaza Strip.
The new system is not meant to replace existing defense systems, such as the highly reliable Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow systems, but supplement them. Unlike the other missile-based systems, Iron Beam can be used to intercept threats over enemy territory at unlimited capacity without depending on the number of interceptor missiles available in stock.
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The new system is also expected to be highly cost-efficient as each use would cost up to a few dollars as opposed to a single Iron Dome interceptor missile whose cost could reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Ministry officials, including Defense Minister Benny Gantz, estimate that the operational development process alongside the military will take at least two or three more years, splashing cold water over Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s assertion that the system would be deployed within a year.
Israeli MOD Announces Funding for Development & Production of Iron Beam Laser System: Rafael President & CEO, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yoav Har-Even: “Rafael is proud to lead the development and supply of the ‘Iron Beam’ system, the most powerful laser system of its kind in the world.” pic.twitter.com/9R2f4d1PhJ
— RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems (@RAFAELdefense) March 17, 2022
“I can tell you that this is a technological marvel that will dramatically shore up Israel’s defensive capabilities. It won’t happen within a year, but it will happen fast,” Gantz said.
View original Ynet publication at:
https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/b1lnwy11zq
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