Israel set to deploy futuristic Iron Beam laser defense while development of new technologies for next Iran war continues

Israel’s futuristic laser defense system will be rolled out by the end of this month, marking the end of development of a landmark development in Israel’s defense technology sector.

Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold, Head of the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), announced that the first Iron Beam system will be delivered to the IDF on December 30, 2025, during remarks at the at the International DefenseTech Summit in Tel Aviv on Thursday.

“The Iron Beam laser system is expected to fundamentally change the rules of engagement on the battlefield. With development complete and a comprehensive testing program that has validated the system's capabilities, we are prepared to deliver initial operational capability to the IDF… Simultaneously, we are already advancing the next-generation systems,” said Gold.

The futuristic laser defense is expected to significantly improve the country’s defense against all manner of air-borne projectiles, from artillery and mortar shells to rockets, missiles, and drones.

In addition to improving the interception rate, the system is also significantly less expensive than conventional missile-based interception systems, as Iron Dome missiles cost tens of thousands of shekels and Arrow interceptors can cost millions.

The smallest laser system, dubbed “Lite Beam,” can be used by ground forces vehicles and fires a 10-kilowatt beam, the Jerusalem Post reported.

Iron Beam M fires a 250 millimeter, 50-kilowatt beam, can be mounted on larger trucks and can even fire while moving.

The full-size Iron Beam variant is stationary and fires a 450 millimeter, 100-kilowatt beam.

Defense Ministry Director-General, Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Amir Baram said that in addition to Iron Beam, Israel is developing more new technologies to prepare for the next potential war against Iran.

Speaking at the same conference on Monday, Baram said that “Iran's rapid force buildup in air defense and ballistic missile capabilities,” which is driven by “its extremist ideology,” means that the IDF must be ready.

“Enemies are learning and adapting. We are at a pivotal point before a new paradigm takes place,” said Baram.

DDR&D head Gold also said Israel is “actively developing the next generation of technological surprises for future conflicts – across space, offensive, and defensive domains – and will operationalize them at the appropriate time.”

Baram noted that while Israel has been known as a “Cyber Nation”, it has evolved “into a true 'Defense-Tech Nation’.”

“Our innovation portfolio now spans the full spectrum of advanced capabilities: Aerial Defense Systems, Unmanned Vehicles, Electronic Warfare, Quantum-Resistant Communications, Intelligence and Surveillance Systems, Cyber Defense, and Space Technologies,” he said.

“In 2024 alone, we signed 21 Government-to-Government agreements worth billions, and the Ministry invested 1.2 billion shekels in startups alone. Of the 300+ startups working with the DDR&D, remarkably, over 130 joined operations during this war.”

Baram emphasized that Israel’s unique situation created an “innovative Defense-Tech Ecosystem” born from the country’s “existential security challenges and shaped over decades of operational experience.”

“Direct feedback loops connect the frontline, engineers, and industry partners – creating a robust chain from battlefield needs to deployed solutions. These are combat-proven systems. This is what Defense-Tech means in Israel.”