Rafael Unveils ‘Iron Beam 450’: Israel’s Next-Gen Laser Weapon With Longer Reach and Sharper Precision
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has officially introduced its latest high-energy laser defense system — Iron Beam 450 — a major upgrade over its earlier models. This new version features a much larger 450-millimeter beam director, a significant jump from the previous 250mm aperture, bringing with it longer operational range and improved precision.
This expanded aperture allows Iron Beam 450 to track and engage airborne threats at greater distances, while also enhancing its ability to stay locked onto fast-moving or small targets even in difficult weather or dusty environments. The larger beam director also improves how the laser travels through the atmosphere, keeping it more concentrated and stable during engagements.
Rafael highlighted that these upgrades translate into faster reaction times, extended interception range, and pinpoint targeting accuracy — while retaining the key advantages that make laser systems highly attractive for modern militaries:
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Speed-of-light neutralization
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Extremely low cost per shot
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Virtually unlimited firing capability
The Iron Beam 450 will make its international public debut at the Paris Air Show from June 16 to 22.
Israel’s Combat-Tested Laser Shield
The Iron Beam program is Israel’s answer to short-range aerial threats like drones, rockets, and mortars. Instead of using missiles, it relies on focused laser beams to burn through or disable incoming projectiles in mid-air. Using adaptive optics, the system can precisely hold a laser spot on objects as small as a coin from distances of up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
What makes Iron Beam particularly notable is its combat experience. During the Iron Swords conflict, the system was reportedly used against drones and short-range munitions fired by Hezbollah, proving its operational value in real combat conditions.
Other Variants on the Way
While the Iron Beam 450 is grabbing headlines, Rafael is also showcasing two additional variants:
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Iron Beam M: A mobile version that keeps the older 250mm beam director but is designed for mobility, allowing it to move alongside frontline troops or secure temporary strategic sites. It trades some range for flexibility and rapid deployment.
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Lite Beam: A compact, 10-kilowatt laser system aimed at defending convoys, small units, or pop-up military bases. Despite its smaller size, it retains the core benefits of speed, low operating cost, and the ability to fire repeatedly without ammunition limitations.
Specifications Overview
| Feature | Iron Beam 450 | Iron Beam M | Lite Beam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beam Director Size | 450mm | 250mm | N/A (smaller system) |
| Laser Power | High-Energy (specific rating undisclosed) | High-Energy (same as earlier Iron Beam) | 10 kilowatts |
| Effective Range | Up to 10 km or more | Similar to original Iron Beam | Short-range, convoy protection |
| Deployment Type | Fixed / Semi-mobile | Mobile, frontline capable | Rapid-deployment, pop-up defense |
| Per-Intercept Cost | Negligible | Negligible | Negligible |
| Rate of Fire | Continuous, virtually unlimited | Continuous, virtually unlimited | Continuous, virtually unlimited |
With the debut of Iron Beam 450, Rafael is demonstrating how laser-based defense systems are rapidly maturing into reliable and combat-proven solutions. Its ability to deliver precise, rapid, and cost-effective aerial defense without relying on conventional ammunition offers a crucial advantage in modern and future battlefields. As airborne threats like drones, rockets, and loitering munitions become more frequent and complex, systems like Iron Beam are likely to play an increasingly important role in national defense networks.
