Iron Beam

This article is about the beam weapon system. For beams of charged particles, see ion beam.
Iron Beam
TypeLaser air defense system
Place of originIsrael
Service history
In serviceLate 2025 (est.)[1][2]
Used byIsrael
Production history
DesignerRafael Advanced Defense Systems
Designed2010–2015
ManufacturerRafael Advanced Defense Systems and Lockheed Martin

Iron Beam (Hebrew: מגן אור, romanized: Ma'gen Or, lit. 'קרן ברזל'), officially מגן אור, Shield of Light is a directed-energy weapon air defense system unveiled at the Singapore Airshow on February 11, 2014[3] by Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.[4]

The system is designed to destroy short-range rockets, artillery, and mortar bombs, and is expected to be deployed in October 2025.[5] It has a range of up to 10 km (6.2 mi), complementing the Iron Dome system which was designed to intercept missiles launched from a greater distance.[4][6] In addition, the system could also intercept unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs; drones) at a cost of US$2-5 per interception.[7] Iron Beam will constitute the fifth element of Israel's integrated missile defense system,[4] in addition to Arrow 2, Arrow 3, David's Sling and Iron Dome.[8]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference JN_end2025 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference BD_2-3years was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ "RAFAEL at Singapore Air Show 2014". Archived from the original on 2014-01-19.
  4. ^ a b c Williams, Dan (Jan 19, 2014). "Israel plans laser interceptor 'Iron Beam' for short-range rockets". Jerusalem: Reuters. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  5. ^ Fabian, Emanuel (October 28, 2024). "Laser interception system Iron Beam expected to be operational in a year, Defense Ministry says". Times of Israel. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  6. ^ "Israeli company to unveil laser defense". Associated Press. 2014-01-19. Archived from the original on 2014-02-01 – via The San Diego Union-Tribune.
  7. ^ "RAFAEL Develops a New High Energy Laser Weapon". Defense Update. 2014-01-19.
  8. ^ "Israel's Rafael to unveil laser-based defense system". Haaretz. 2014-01-19. Archived from the original on 2014-01-20.