Israel’s Laser Weapon System

June 4, 2025

Current Context: During the June 2025 Gaza conflict, the Israel Air Force used a prototype laser air defense system (adapted from the Iron Beam) to successfully shoot down enemy drones, marking the first operational victory of its kind.

ABOUT Israel’s Laser Weapon System

Iron Beam (Magen Or)
- Developer: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
- Type: High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) – a Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).
- Power Rating: 100 kW class.
Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs)
- Definition: Weapons that emit focused energy (electromagnetic or particle) to destroy or disable targets, without conventional projectiles.
Key Capabilities
- Multiple Threat Engagement:
  - Rockets, Artillery, Mortars (RAM)
  - Cruise missiles
  - Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones)
- Operational Range: Up to 10 km.
- Speed of Engagement: Speed of light, enabling near-instantaneous target neutralization.
- Precision: Minimizes collateral damage and environmental impact.
- Cost Efficiency: Negligible cost per shot compared to missile interceptors.