Israel’s groundbreaking laser interception system, known as the Iron Beam, is expected to enter operational service within a year, according to Eyal Zamir, the Defense Ministry’s director general. Zamir made the announcement during the signing of a NIS 2 billion ($535 million) contract with Israeli defense companies Rafael and Elbit, who are manufacturing the system.

“The first capability of the ground laser system…is expected to enter operational service in a year from today,” Zamir stated at the event, highlighting Iron Beam’s role in Israel’s layered defense strategy.

Iron Beam is being developed to complement Israel’s existing defense systems, such as the Iron Dome, by targeting smaller projectiles like rockets, mortars, and drones. By integrating high-powered lasers, the system is designed to intercept threats with increased speed and accuracy – and for a lot cheaper than it costs to fire a rocket.

The contract with Rafael and Elbit aims to “significantly increase” production rates to meet Israel’s defense timeline and demand for the laser system, the ministry added in a statement.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)