Israel introduces Iron Beam laser system to combat rockets and drones

Israel has announced that its Iron Beam laser air defense system is ready for deployment after successfully completing testing. It is expected to be incorporated into the army before the end of the year. It was developed over a period of ten years and first unveiled in 2014.

During the ongoing war, a weaker version of the system has already shot down Hezbollah drones. Recent tests in southern Israel have verified the system's ability to intercept missiles, mortar shells, and unmanned aircraft, writes the Times of Israel.

The Ministry of Defense has symbolically renamed the system Or Eitan (Eitan's Light) in honor of Captain Eitan Oster, who was killed in combat with Hezbollah in 2024 and whose father was involved in the development of the project.

Iron Beam is intended to complement the existing Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow systems and provide protection against smaller threats. Since it uses the energy of a laser, it does not run out of ammunition.

(mja)