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
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 Naval Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance]()
Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance
Success with the US Army’s Black Widow programme may have strengthened Red Cat’s international position, but executives believe the next growth opportunity lies in uncrewed surface vessels.
-
![The FDI frigate: a growing success story with more opportunities to come]()
The FDI frigate: a growing success story with more opportunities to come
Designed as a multi-role frigate with both anti-submarine and air defence capabilities, Naval Group’s medium-sized FDI frigate increasingly stands out as a success story in an industry wrought with delays.
-
![US weighs offshore warship production due to industrial limits]()
US weighs offshore warship production due to industrial limits
A Pentagon push to procure warships from Japanese and South Korean shipyards could reshape allied naval industrial strategy, but critics warn the approach risks hollowing out the domestic base Washington is seeking to restore.
-
![Lessons shaping the next phase of Arleigh Burke production post-Flight IIA]()
Lessons shaping the next phase of Arleigh Burke production post-Flight IIA
The accelerated delivery of the final Flight IIA destroyer, USS Patrick Gallagher, showcases the payoff of years of workforce investment and process reform at Bath Iron Works, with the lessons feeding into Flight III production.
