Iron Beam: what is Israel's laser-powered weapon?

Defence system can neutralise aerial targets within four to five seconds

A handout picture released by the Israeli Ministry of Defence (MoD) on April 14, 2022, shows a high-power laser interception system, developed by Ministry of Defence's Directorate of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D) and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, at an undisclosed location. - Moments after US President Joe Biden touches down in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, the Israeli military will show him new hardware it says is essential to confronting Iran: anti-drone lasers. As concerns mount over drone warfare, Israel hopes the new Iron Beam system will secure its skies. While not yet operational, the military hardware was described as a "game-changer" in April by then prime minister Naftali Bennett. (Photo by Israeli Ministry of Defence / AFP) / === RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / HO / ISRAELI MINISTRY OF DEFENCE" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS ===

The Iron Beam system on display at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport before US President Joe Biden's visit. AFP / Israeli Ministry of Defence

The Iron Beam at an undisclosed location. The system's fibre laser is expected to down aerial targets within four to five seconds of firing using super heat. AFP / Israeli Ministry of Defence

Whereas the Iron Dome launches interceptor missiles to track down projectiles, the Iron Beam will rely on lasers to strike down airborne targets. AFP / Israeli Ministry of Defence

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Mr Biden attend a briefing on the Iron Dome and Iron Beam Air Defence Systems. Reuters

Mr Biden walks with Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz, Mr Yair Lapid and US Defence Attache in Israel Brig Gen Shawn Harris. AFP

Mr Biden meets Israeli military officials and dignitaries. AFP

Mr Biden is in Israel for a regional tour. AP

Live updates: follow the latest news on Joe Biden's Middle East visit

As part of his visit to Israel, US President Joe Biden viewed the country's advanced defence systems, including the Iron Dome and the Iron Beam.

These missile defence systems, developed in partnership with the US, are designed to shoot down rockets, but unlike the Iron Dome, which has intercepted thousands of rockets since it began service in 2011, the Iron Beam is not yet in operation.

What is Israel's Iron Dome weapons system?

The Iron Dome launches interceptor missiles to track down projectiles, but the Iron Beam will rely on lasers to strike down airborne targets. The system's fibre laser is expected to down aerial targets within four to five seconds of firing using super heat.

The newest system is designed to disable aerial targets that are too small for the Iron Dome to engage. The Iron Beam has a range of up to seven kilometres and is meant to take out mortar bombs, short-range rockets and artillery fire.

What is Israel's Iron Beam?

The Iron Beam also has an unlimited magazine and causes minimal collateral damage, Rafael Defence Systems said.

Both systems were manufactured by Rafael Defence Systems and underwritten by the US. Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett said the system should be operational by early 2023.

Mr Bennett said striking down enemy aerial targets, such as drones and rockets, will cost only $2 per interception.

The Iron Beam will make up the fifth layer of Israel's integrated defence system, which also includes Arrow II, Arrow II, David's Sling and the Iron Dome.

Rafael Defence Systems said that the Iron Beam could be integrated on numerous platforms and act as a complementary high-energy laser interceptor to multilayer defence systems.

Mr Bennett said that Israel would soon be surrounded with a “laser wall” to protect it from aerial threats.