At the London DSEI exhibition, the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems publicly presented its latest laser system IRON Beam 450 air defense. This system is designed to intercept a variety of air threats, from missiles and artillery shells to cruise missiles and drones. According to the developers, each attack can be repelled almost without the cost of ammunition, reducing the risk of collateral damage.
The Iron Beam 450 is designed to be a versatile solution for both land and sea missions. It can be integrated into existing air defense systems where the laser technology offers a faster and more cost-effective interception method. Rafael highlights that the new installation provides a longer range, faster response rate, and better cost efficiency compared to previous models.
The key feature of the Iron Beam 450 system is its 450-millimeter aperture mirror, significantly larger than previous models in the family. Rafael’s lineup also includes the Lite Beam, a compact 10-kilowatt laser for vehicles, and the Iron Beam-M, a 50-kilowatt version with a 250 mm aperture. There is also a marine modification of the system, which was showcased at DSEI.
The Iron Beam 450 utilizes multifunctional guide optical modules and coherent folding technology, ensuring precise target tracking, high accuracy, and stable guidance. Control of the system is conducted remotely through a secure communication channel. Essentially, this is an “energy weapon with infinite ammunition” that can instantly switch targets, capable of engaging even groups of drones simultaneously.
The operational principle is straightforward: a concentrated beam of energy is directed at a critical point on a target, disabling it within seconds. The laser operates at the speed of light and can sequentially intercept various targets, including missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs. Rafael emphasizes that the system can protect military units, infrastructure, and civilian populations.
While the development of the Iron Beam 450 was officially mentioned at an air show in Paris earlier this summer, it was at DSEI that the system was publicly showcased for the first time. Rafael’s CEO, JOAV Turjeman, stated that advancements in powerful laser technology are revolutionizing air defense, providing fast, effective, and cost-efficient interception capabilities.
The demand for such technologies is evident, as current methods of countering threats like drones are costly and inefficient. High-energy lasers like the Iron Beam aim to address this imbalance, offering states more rational and effective solutions for defense.