By Arie Egozi, Autonomy Global – Ambassador for Israel
Israel has taken a major step forward in autonomous air and missile defense with the delivery of the first operational Iron Beam high‑energy laser system to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which integrates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) for rapid threat detection and interception decisions. The system, designed to work alongside the Iron Dome network, adds a highly cost-effective layer against rockets, mortars, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other aerial threats.
Building on this operational role, Israel has integrated AI into Iron Beam to analyze threat trajectories, speeds, altitudes and target types in real time. These algorithms select the optimal interception mode (directed-energy laser engagement for suitable targets or kinetic interceptors when required) while command-and-control (C2) software enables split-second engagement decisions across the wider air defense network.
This advanced autonomy follows a complex, multi-year development program led by the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D) and prime contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the first Iron Beam unit was formally delivered to the IDF on December 27 at Rafael’s headquarters in northern Israel. IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram stated that this handover, with additional systems already in production, marks the transition from development to serial manufacturing and the beginning of a broader technological revolution in air and missile defense.
At the system level, Iron Beam is a high-power laser system engineered to counter a spectrum of aerial threats at enhanced operational ranges using an advanced laser source and a unique electro-optical (EO) targeting system. The ability to intercept threats at negligible marginal cost per shot is a key advantage for Israel’s multi-layered air defense architecture. It dramatically improves the cost-effectiveness balance between incoming threats and defensive interceptors.
Driving this innovation, DDR&D R&D Unit led the program in close collaboration with Rafael, supported by a broader Israeli defense-industrial team. Elbit Systems serves as the laser source partner, described as Israel’s “laser house,” with additional contributions from SCD, Shafir Systems and other local defense companies that are helping mature high-energy laser technologies for land, air and future airborne applications.
Looking ahead, senior defense leaders emphasized Iron Beam’s role as a complementary capability within Israel’s proven multi-layered air defense array, which has been heavily tested over the last two years. As production ramps up, the Ministry of Defense and its industry partners are already advancing next-generation laser and airborne systems that could further reshape strategic air defense concepts and solidify Israel’s qualitative technological edge.