Rafael Unveils Next-Generation IRON BEAM 450 Laser Defense System at DSEI London

London, 9 September 2025 : Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems introduced its cutting-edge high-energy laser weapon, IRON BEAM 450, on Tuesday at the opening of the prestigious DSEI (Defence and Security Equipment International) defense exhibition in London. The new system marks a significant step in next-generation defense technologies, aiming to transform air and missile defense with precision targeting, reduced operational costs, and minimal collateral damage.

The IRON BEAM 450 is designed to intercept and destroy a broad spectrum of aerial threats, including rockets, artillery shells, cruise missiles, and swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with near-zero per-interception cost. It represents Rafael’s latest advancement in directed energy systems, offering rapid, precise, and sustained protection for both land and naval forces.

Next-Generation Defense Technology

The next generation of defense systems like IRON BEAM focuses on overcoming the limitations of traditional kinetic interceptors, such as high logistical demands, slower reaction times, and increased risk of collateral damage. With its speed-of-light engagement capability, IRON BEAM can neutralize threats within seconds by focusing a high-energy laser on critical points of incoming objects, effectively disabling or destroying them mid-air.

The system operates with an unlimited magazine, bypassing the supply chain complexities associated with conventional ammunition. It is also capable of rapid retargeting, allowing operators to swiftly shift focus between multiple incoming threats, including drone swarms – one of the fastest-growing challenges in modern warfare.

Enhanced Precision and Stability

The IRON BEAM incorporates Rafael’s proprietary Coherent Beam Combination and Adaptive Optics technologies. These advanced systems ensure high-performance tracking and target stabilization, even in challenging operational environments. The system’s multifunction Beam Directors continuously monitor and adjust the laser beam’s focus to counteract turbulence and movement, ensuring pinpoint accuracy.

Operators control the system remotely via a secure data link, enhancing battlefield safety while enabling real-time engagement and monitoring. Rafael emphasizes that this approach helps safeguard sensitive facilities, civilian population centers, and frontline troops alike, with minimal risk of unintended harm.

Trusted by Israel’s Defense Forces

Rafael’s IRON BEAM is already deployed by the Israeli Ministry of Defense and has been developed in partnership with Israel’s defense ecosystem. The company serves as the national center of excellence for high-energy laser (HEL) systems and leads the Israeli National Lethality Lab, which focuses on advancing directed-energy technologies for future combat scenarios.

Part of a Comprehensive Defense Framework

The IRON BEAM 450 is not a standalone solution but a critical component of a multi-layered defense architecture. At DSEI, Rafael is also showcasing complementary systems such as:

• TROPHY Active Protection System, designed to safeguard armored vehicles against anti-tank threats.

• C-DOME Naval Defense, offering protection against short-range missiles and UAVs.

• TORBUSTER and C-GEM solutions, enhancing electronic warfare and missile defense capabilities.

• Naval IRON BEAM, an adaptation of the laser system for maritime security environments.

Addressing Emerging Threats

With drone warfare, missile proliferation, and asymmetric aerial threats reshaping modern combat, next-generation systems like IRON BEAM are positioned to redefine defense strategies. Rafael’s approach leverages high-energy lasers’ scalability, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to deliver continuous and intelligent protection against ever-evolving threats.

By integrating cutting-edge optics, artificial intelligence-driven targeting algorithms, and robust communication systems, Rafael is setting new benchmarks in defense readiness and resilience.

IRON BEAM 450 is a glimpse into the future of warfare — one where speed, precision, and sustainability are at the core of military response systems, offering enhanced protection with unprecedented efficiency. As threats become more complex, such next-generation solutions will play a pivotal role in safeguarding nations and their strategic assets.