IMDEX 2023: Rafael offers ships laser air defence capability with Naval Iron Beam development
A rendering of the Naval Iron Beam system being fired from a ship. (Photo: Rafael)
Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is working to navalise the Iron Beam high-energy laser weapon giving ships another option to defeat incoming threats.
Rafael has finished a study on the use of high-powered laser weapons at sea over the past year, according to a company spokesperson speaking to Shephard ahead of IMDEX Asia 2023.
The work looked at the atmospheric effects and the use of a laser weapon from a moving platform.
The spokesperson said the study proved that Rafael’s technology and Iron Beam ‘know-how’ could be a highly effective system on board different vessels.
To marinise the system, the Iron Beam solution requires some adjustments to protect it from the harsh environmental conditions of being operated at sea.
Like its land counterpart, the Iron
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Indo Pacific 2025: Australian Defence Force sets its sights on autonomy]()
Indo Pacific 2025: Australian Defence Force sets its sights on autonomy
Multiple autonomous systems and technologies were on display at this year’s Indo Pacific, but questions remain over how the Australian Department of Defence will balance the books.
-
![US and UK to begin Trident II D5 Increment 8 in October 2026]()
US and UK to begin Trident II D5 Increment 8 in October 2026
Trident II D5 Increment 8 will involve improvements to the shipboard navigation subsystem for the US Ohio and Columbia and the UK Dreadnought and Vanguard submarine classes.
-
![What capabilities has the US deployed in the Caribbean and South America to engage “drug boats”?]()
What capabilities has the US deployed in the Caribbean and South America to engage “drug boats”?
The US arsenal includes amphibious assault and littoral combat ships, cutters, destroyers, landing platform docks, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, drones, ISR aircraft, helicopters and fighters.
-
![HMS Agamemnon: details of the dive and what the Astute-class signifies for the UK Royal Navy]()
HMS Agamemnon: details of the dive and what the Astute-class signifies for the UK Royal Navy
As HMS Agamemnon moves closer towards joining the UK’s in-service submarine fleet, how does the sixth Astute-class fit into the Royal Navy’s defence strategy?
