A message heard ‘from Tehran to Sana’a to Beirut’: IDF receives first Iron Beam laser defense system

The Israeli Air Force on Sunday celebrated the delivery of the first Iron Beam laser system at a ceremony held in northern Israel at the headquarters of the manufacturer, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

Israel is the first country to deploy the revolutionary laser-based air defense in its active military.

“Certain events truly merit the designation ‘historic milestone’ in the most precise sense,” said Defense Minister Israel Katz.

“At this significant moment, we can all feel immense pride in the precedent established here today. For the first time globally, a high-power laser interception system has achieved full operational maturity, successfully executing multiple interceptions throughout an extensive trial series replicating diverse operational scenarios,” he said.

According to an official statement, Iron Beam, which will be known as Or Eitan in Hebrew, “proved its effectiveness in an extensive series of tests against various threats and successfully intercepted rockets, mortars, and UAVs, will be integrated into the IAF and incorporated into Israel’s multi-layered aerial defense array as a complementary capability to the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems.”

The original name, “Magen Or” (Light Shield), was changed to Or Eitan (Strong Light) to honor the first Israeli soldier killed during last year’s operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, Captain Eitan Itzhak Oster, whose father took part in the development of the system.

“This monumental achievement changes the rules of engagement and delivers a critical message to our enemies - near and far alike - do not challenge us, or face severe consequences,” said Katz. “This message reverberates from Tehran to Sana’a to Beirut. We remain committed to preserving Israel’s security and technological edge, ensuring we stand resolute against future challenges.”

The Iron Beam system represents a global breakthrough in laser technology, combining an advanced laser source and a unique electro-optical targeting system, enabling the interception of a wide range of targets “at a negligible marginal cost, which constitutes the laser system’s primary advantage.”

Contrary to missile-based interception systems, which can cost millions of dollars per projectile, the Iron Beam’s primary expenses focus on development and production. Once operational, the cost per interception is nearly negligible, limited mostly by the price of electricity.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems chairman and former minister of finance, intelligence and strategic affairs, Dr. Yuval Steinitz, said this day marked “the beginning of the era of high-energy laser defense. Israel has become the first country in the world to field an operational laser system for the interception of aerial threats.”

“Rafael conceived, led, and brought this groundbreaking project – Iron Beam – from vision to reality, as part of its long-standing responsibility to strengthen and expand the scientific and technological advantage of the State of Israel,” Steinitz added.

Outgoing Air Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Tomer Bar noted that the new system adds “another capability to our air defense forces, who have demonstrated exceptional operational proficiency during this war.”

Defense Ministry Director Maj.-Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram emphasized that “numerous” additional systems are already in production.

“We are already advancing the development of next-generation defense systems for land and air deployment. Iron Beam now adds another layer to Israel’s multi-layered defense architecture and is expected to dramatically improve both our capability against complex threats and the cost-effectiveness equation between interception and threat,” he said.

Army Radio reported that the first system will now be received by the Air Force’s air defense array, where it will be integrated and made fully operational in the coming months.