Israel is rapidly strengthening its air defence capability.
Tel Aviv: After Israel conducted airstrikes on Iran on Saturday, October 26, there is a very strong possibility that Iran will retaliate and attack Israel with more powerful missiles and drones. It is believed that this time the scale will be much more formidable.
Keeping this in mind, Israel is also rapidly strengthening its air defence capability. Israel’s Ministry of Defense has signed a $534 million contract with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems. The agreement paves the way for Israel’s acquisition of the Iron Beam laser interception system. Iron Beam is a laser weapon capable of shooting down enemy drones, helicopters, and short-range ballistic missiles at low cost.
Rafael Advanced Defence Systems and Elbit Systems are Israeli defence technology companies. On its website, Rafale describes Iron Beam as a “100kW class high energy laser weapon system” which is estimated to be the first such system in its class. According to the company, it is effective in targeting threats from hundreds of meters to several kilometres away.
The cost is extremely low
Additionally, unlike Iron Dome systems, which cost tens of thousands of dollars for each interceptor, the iron beam systems cost about two dollars per use. Its cost was revealed by former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett during a visit to the Rafale factory in 2022.
Elbit Systems confirmed the contract
In a press statement, Elbit Systems announced on Monday, 28 October 2024 that the Ministry of Defense has awarded it a contract worth about $200 million. Elbit said the contract has been awarded to supply high-power laser systems to Israel’s Iron Beam air defence system. After receiving the contract, Elbit will provide the system with a “high-power laser solution” to enhance the system’s ability to withstand a variety of threats.
Elbit will also maintain the system
“As Israel’s Laser Center and a global leader in high-power laser technology, Elbit Systems congratulates the significant progress made in the Iron Beam project and is proud of its contribution to its success,” said Bezhalel Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems.