First capability of Israel’s Iron Beam laser to be delivered by the end of December
Iron Beam can function as a stand-alone system or as part of a larger air defence network, providing flexible responses to threats. (Image: Rafael)
Iron Beam is a family of high-energy laser weapon systems currently in development by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and is designed to provide a low-cost kinetic effect against aerial threats at short distances.
Confirmation from the Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD) that initial operational capability for Iron Beam will be delivered to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on 30 December completes the schedule previously promised by company and government officials.
Brig Gen (Res) Dr Daniel Gold, head of the MoD Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), confirmed the date when speaking at the International DefenseTech Week summit this week.
“With development complete and a comprehensive testing programme that has validated the system’s capabilities, we are prepared to deliver initial operational capability to the IDF on [30 December 2025],” Gold said.
“The Iron Beam
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Pearson Engineering to send AI mine detecting systems into Ukraine]()
Eurosatory 2026: Pearson Engineering to send AI mine detecting systems into Ukraine
Pearson Engineering’s Threat-Sense system is designed to use imaging from drones to geolocate scattered mines and support uncrewed systems in defeating the threats.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: GDELS and Thales combine proven tech to create reduced-risk CUAS]()
Eurosatory 2026: GDELS and Thales combine proven tech to create reduced-risk CUAS
Both Thales and GDELS shone a spotlight on their uncrewed and counter-drone efforts at Eurosatory 2026, highlighting the integration of mature technologies with stable C2 systems that are open to agnostic additions and expansion.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: IDV expands with new Viking and CL2X UGV]()
Eurosatory 2026: IDV expands with new Viking and CL2X UGV
At Eurosatory 2026, uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) are front and centre of IDV’s display, with a new variant of the Viking and the new CL2X on show.
