The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced that Iron Beam systems will be integrated into the country’s air defense network within a year.

This follows an armament agreement with contractors Rafael and Elbit to expedite the development of the Iron Beam directed-energy weapon.

Designed to complement the Iron Dome, Iron Beam will enhance defenses against various aerial threats, including rockets, drones, and cruise missiles.

The agreement is valued at NIS 2 billion ($536 million), with Rafael and Elbit responsible for 60% and 40% of the work, respectively.

Unlike traditional missile interception, Iron Beam uses lasers to disable targets at a lower cost, significantly altering the economics of air defense, Defense News has reported.

However, it has limitations compared to Iron Dome, particularly against large-scale rocket barrages and adverse weather conditions.

Written by B.C. Begley