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Israel's Rafael Unveils Iron Beam: A Cost-Effective Laser Weapon to Counter Drones

Israel's Rafael presents the Iron Beam, a laser weapon promising low-cost drone defense. However, its size and weather limitations raise practicality questions.

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2 min read
In this picture, we can see a few military tankers, we can see the ground with some objects, grass,...
In this picture, we can see a few military tankers, we can see the ground with some objects, grass, trees, smoke, and the sky with clouds.

Israel's Rafael Unveils Iron Beam: A Cost-Effective Laser Weapon to Counter Drones

Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has developed the Iron Beam, a laser weapon system designed to counter drone threats. Despite its containerized design, the system's mobility is limited, making rapid deployments challenging. It promises a cost-effective solution at five dollars per shot, but its large size and weather dependency raise concerns about its practicality.

Iron Beam, housed in an ISO container, uses a 100-kilowatt fiber laser for interception. It has a maximum range of about ten kilometers and can engage targets in just a few seconds. The system requires a separate generator for power and can operate independently or integrate with the Iron Dome's command and control systems.

While Iron Beam's cost per shot is low, its overall war cost is significant, estimated between $50 million and $150 million. Its large size makes it a stationary target, vulnerable to attacks by small, cheap drones or missiles. Additionally, it only functions in clear weather, limiting its usefulness in many environments.

Israel is not alone in developing laser weapon systems. Countries like the United States, Germany, China, and Australia are also investing in advanced laser technologies. The U.S. operates a 300-kilowatt class high-energy laser, while Germany has invested over 80 million euros into laser research. China unveiled high-energy laser systems in 2018, and Australia has developed a scalable 150-kilowatt laser system called 'Apollo'. Israel itself has other operational and nearly market-ready laser defense systems like 'Or Eitan'.

Iron Beam is expected to be operational by the end of 2025, offering a potentially cost-effective solution for drone defense. However, its limited mobility, vulnerability to attacks, and weather dependency raise questions about its practicality. Despite these challenges, Israel and other countries continue to invest in laser weapon systems, recognizing their potential in modern warfare.

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