Yesterday, Elbit Systems announced that the Israel Defense Forces have awarded it a new contract to acquire additional high-power laser systems, Iron Beam, which will strengthen the country’s air defense network. This is a $200 million contract, providing the IDF with a system already deployed for advanced testing at the Gaza border earlier this year, operating under the supervision of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D).
Regarding this, Bezhalel Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems, stated: “As Israel’s laser center and a global leader in high-power laser technology, Elbit Systems congratulates the Iron Beam project on its significant progress and is proud of its contribution to its success. The capabilities developed at Elbit Systems represent a great advancement in future defense against diverse threats.”
Highlighting some of the characteristics of the system that the IDF will acquire, it consists of two laser cannons that together generate between 100 and 150 kW of power, allowing it to neutralize enemy rockets and missiles. The Iron Beam program is the product of collaboration between Rafael and Elbit Systems, which worked alongside the aforementioned DDR&D to carry it out, with several million shekels invested in its realization.
For now, it is expected that the first Iron Beam will be ready for operation in the near future, considering the urgent need to increase Israel’s air defense capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with various terrorist groups in the region. In the words of Israeli Defense Ministry Director General Eyal Zamir, the government “expects the first capabilities of the ground-based laser system to be operational within a year.”
Should the plans unfold as presented by the Israeli government, the IDF will finally surpass the failed precedent set by the laser system known as Nautilus, a development conducted with the U.S. starting in 1996. This High Energy Tactical Laser demonstrated in tests (in 2000) that it was capable of intercepting Katyusha rockets and artillery shells but was discontinued in 2005 as it was deemed too large and heavy for deployment.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the United States has invested nearly $15 billion in Israel’s air defense during the first half of the year, mainly to replenish inventories of the current Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems. However, a portion of this budget was directed to advancing the Iron Beam system, accelerating its development.
Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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