The Defense Ministry announced on Sunday the delivery of the first operational high-power laser interception system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., dubbed “Iron Beam,” to the Israel Defense Forces.

The system, which has successfully intercepted rockets, mortar shells and drones during extensive testing, will be absorbed by the air force and integrated into the country’s multi-layered air defense array alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow systems.

Calling the handover “a historic occasion,” Defense Minister Israel Katz said the system marks “the first time in the world that a high-power laser interception system has reached operational maturity,” adding that it “changes the rules of the game and sends a clear message to all our enemies… do not test us.”

Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram said the delivery “marks the transition from development to serial production,” calling Iron Beam “only the beginning of the technological revolution” and noting it is expected to significantly improve both Israel’s defensive capabilities and the cost balance between threats and costly interceptors.

IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar described the moment as “especially moving,” saying the system is “another vital component in the air defense battle of our forces, who proved their........

© The Times of Israel