Iron beam strong: Israel expands laser defense with NIS two billion contract

The Ministry of Defense has signed a contract with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems worth about NIS two billion ($534 million) to significantly expand the acquisition of the “Iron Beam” laser interception system. Marive Monday morning report.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems are Israeli defense technology companies.

On its website, Rafael describes the Iron Beam as a “100kW class high energy laser weapon system” that is expected to be the first such system in its class.

According to the company, it is effective at targeting threats at distances ranging from hundreds of meters to several kilometers.

Additionally, unlike the Iron Dome system, which costs tens of thousands of dollars for each interceptor, the Iron Dome system costs about two dollars per use, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett noted during a 2022 visit to a Rafael factory.

In a press release, Elbit Systems announced Monday that the Department of Defense has awarded it a contract worth nearly $200 million.

Elbit reported that the company was awarded the contract to supply high-power laser systems to Israel's Iron Beam air defense system.

A 'high power laser solution'

After receiving the contract, Elbit will provide the system with a “high-power laser solution” to enhance the system's ability to counter various types of threats.

“As Israel's laser center and a global leader in high-power laser technology, Elbit Systems congratulates the significant progress on the Iron Beam project and is proud to have contributed to its success,” said Bezhalel Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems. “The capabilities developed in the Elbit system represent a step forward in future defenses against a variety of threats.”

Ongoing support services for the Iron Beam system are included in the contract, Elbit added.