![]() In December 2022, Rafael and Lockheed Martin announced a joint effort to develop a laser defense system based on the Iron Beam project. Īs of 2016 Iron Beam had been funded mainly by the Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD), with Rafael pursuing increasing the range of the system and partnering with other companies to further develop the prototype. By 2023, energy levels could reach 100 kW or more and the system could focus a beam to the diameter of a coin at a distance of 10 km (6.2 mi). While official information is not available, a 2020 report said that Iron Beam was thought to have a maximum effective range of up to 7 km, and could destroy missiles, UAVs (drones), and mortar shells around four seconds after the twin high-energy fiber-optic lasers make contact with their target. ![]() In 2016 laser power levels were reported to be "tens of kilowatts". The cost of each interception is negligible, unlike expensive missile interceptors-around US$2,000 per shot to cover all costs, against $100,000 to $150,000 per interceptor firing. There is also no interceptor debris to fall on the area protected. The main benefits of using a directed energy weapon over conventional missile interceptors are lower costs per shot, unlimited number of firings, lower operational costs, and less manpower. Whether acting as a stand-alone system or with external cueing as part of an air-defense system, a threat is detected by a surveillance system and tracked by vehicle platforms in order to engage. ![]() Iron Beam uses a fiber laser to destroy an airborne target. Iron Beam will constitute the sixth element of Israel's integrated missile defense system, in addition to Arrow 2, Arrow 3, David's Sling, Barak 8, and Iron Dome. In addition, the system could also intercept unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system is designed to destroy short-range rockets, artillery, and mortar bombs it has a range of up to 7 km (4.3 mi), too close for the Iron Dome system to intercept projectiles effectively. Iron Beam ( Hebrew: קֶרֶן בַּרְזֶל, keren barzel), officially מגן אור, magen or, "Light Shield", is a directed-energy weapon air defense system which was unveiled at the Singapore Airshow on Febru by Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
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