VIDEO Israeli forces deploy Iron Beam, their first laser interception system. The great advantage of the weapon

The Iron Beam, or Raza de Fer, is to be integrated into the capabilities of the air force and has already carried out dozens of interceptions in the war launched by Israel against Hamas in response to the attack on October 7, 2023. It is believed that it will significantly reduce costs, since each interception costs only a few dollars, writes Haaretz.

The Israeli army has received the high-power laser interception system that will be integrated into the current multilayered anti-missile shields, reports dpa, quoted by Agerpres.

The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced on Sunday that the system developed by the Israeli firms Elbit Systems and Rafael was handed over to the army.

Iron Beam will work alongside the Iron Dome, David's Sling and Arrow systems.

American estimates show that the Israeli forces' new laser system can neutralize drones at a cost of only about $4 per interception. The defensive systems that Israel had until now entailed much higher interception costs.

According to US estimates, the laser weapon can neutralize drones at a cost of about $4/interception, compared to the much higher cost of Israel's current defensive systems.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the moment as “historic”. The system is fully operational and sends a clear signal to Israel's adversaries: “Don't provoke us,” Katz said.

Amir Baram, director general at the same ministry, said it was “the beginning of a technological revolution” in air defense.