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3. "Iron Beam": Israel’s Laser Defense System Ready for Deployment

The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced on Monday that the laser defense system “Iron Beam” will officially enter service on December 30.

According to The Jerusalem Post, already tested in the field, the laser has demonstrated its ability to neutralize drones, and authorities now say it will also be able to intercept missiles, rockets, and mortar shells. Unlike the lighter “Lite Beam”, which is already operational, the Iron Beam has significantly greater power and range, Israeli media report.

The army considers this deployment a strategic milestone. Thanks to the speed of light, the lasers can destroy a projectile shortly after launch, sometimes even before it leaves enemy territory, reducing the need to trigger sirens or send civilians to shelters.

The system also stands out for its extremely low operating cost compared to traditional interceptors: “Activating the Iron Beam costs barely more than turning on a lamp,” the ministry notes.

According to Israeli media, the ministry claims that no other country has yet deployed a laser of this type in active field operations.