New Platform Boasts Greater Range, Interception Speed, and Cost-Effectiveness
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has publicly showcased its latest laser air defense system, Iron Beam 450, at the DSEI defense exhibition in the UK.
Joining the High-Energy Laser Family
The Iron Beam 450 is the newest addition to Rafael’s family of high-energy laser systems. The company claims the new system has „greater range, speed of interception and a sustainable cost-per-engagement model.”
Low-Cost, High-Efficiency Interceptions
“The unveiling of the Iron Beam 450 at DSEI shows how breakthroughs in high power laser technology revolutionize the air defense equation enabling very low cost, high efficiency interceptions,” said Yoav Tourgeman, the CEO and President of Rafael.
A Line of Laser Air Defenses
Rafael first mentioned Iron Beam 450 when it announced a line of laser air defenses ahead of the Paris Air Show in June.
Largest of the Systems
The Iron Beam 450 is the largest of the three laser systems that Rafael has publicly announced so far. The company unveiled a lightweight, vehicle-based system called Lite Beam at AUSA in 2024. Rafael’s high-energy laser weapon family also includes a system called Iron Beam-M and a naval Iron Beam.
Integrated, Layered Solutions
„Together these systems provide a layered set of integrated directed-energy solutions as part of national air defense architecture,” the company stated. The naval Iron Beam is also being showcased at DSEI as part of the company’s maritime portfolio.
Aperture and Power
Iron Beam 450 derives its name from its 450mm aperture. Each of the company’s lasers has different strengths. The smaller Lite Beam is a 10kW laser, while Iron Beam-M is a 50kW laser. The Iron Beam-M can be mounted on a vehicle and has a 250mm aperture.
Counter-Drone Race
The unveiling comes as militaries worldwide race for affordable counter-drone systems to avoid using expensive munitions against low-cost drones. Israel has acknowledged using some Rafael high-energy systems in defense of its homeland during conflicts in recent years.
Controversy at DSEI
The unveiling occurs during a controversial period for Israeli firms at DSEI. Organizers have not invited Israeli officials to the show to protest the Israeli military’s conduct in Gaza, and Israel’s Ministry of Defense is not attending. Nonetheless, many Israeli companies are attending, and reports in the UK suggest protesters are expected to target the 51 Israeli defense companies present.
