Israel’s Elbit Systems is pushing the boundaries of defense technology by developing an airborne variant of the Iron Beam laser weapon. The system is being tailored for integration into the Israeli Air Force, broadening the operational scope of the nation’s high-energy laser defenses.
The current Iron Beam, created by Rafael, is a land-based solution that fires a 100–150 kilowatt solid-state laser from a truck-mounted platform. It is designed to intercept low-cost aerial threats such as rockets, drones, and cruise missiles, offering a much cheaper alternative to conventional missile interceptors.
Elbit’s effort to adapt the weapon for aircraft reflects a strategic shift toward mobile, flexible defenses. An airborne Iron Beam would not be confined to ground deployment but could instead provide on-demand coverage across multiple fronts.
This development signals a move toward expanding Iron Beam’s role from a fixed defense shield to a versatile airborne system, potentially reshaping Israel’s layered defense strategy.
