The Iron Beam: a Low Cost Complement

• The Iron Beam is an Israeli air defense system developed by Rafael and Lockheed Martin. It is designed to complete Israel's missile defense system.
• It uses lasers to intercept mortars, drones, and rockets at distances of up to seven kilometers. The laser has an energy level of 100 kilowatts, causing projectiles to ignite and crash within seconds.
• The system is highly accurate, capable of focusing the laser on a 10-eurocent coin from a distance of 10 kilometers.
• The Iron Beam aims to reduce the cost of intercepting projectiles compared to the current Iron Dome system. While Iron Dome costs $100,000 to $150,000 per interception, Iron Beam's cost is only around $3.50 per shot.
• It works based on radar detection, followed by laser engagement. Developers plan to increase the laser's power in the coming years and reduce costs further. There is also a naval version in development.
• The Iron Beam is intended to address the vulnerabilities of the current Iron Dome system, which has faced challenges when Hamas launched simultaneous rocket attacks.

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