Israel has just reinforced its air system with a system called Iron Beam, a laser shield that will be capable of shooting down missiles, rockets, mortars and drones in mid flight. This country already had (supposedly) high protection in aerial defense, but now, for the first time, a high energy laser system enters real service within a defense network.
What is special about this laser system
They call it Iron Beam and it does not fire projectiles, but concentrated light at the speed of light and burns the target until it is disabled. We are talking about an immediate reaction time and no expenditure of ammunition, only energy.
While the attacker launches low cost projectiles, traditional defense responds with very expensive interceptors, the laser breaks that imbalance.
From tests to real use
They say that for years it was an experimental project, but now the authorities have confirmed that the system has been tested in real situations outside the laboratory and that it works perfectly, being for them an indispensable active tool.
Does it replace the Iron Dome?
No, nor the Arrow systems, but it is a complement to both, the laser takes care of small threats and the interceptor missiles will be reserved for more complex or long range targets, this way they seek to optimize resources and be able to withstand saturation attacks and not only isolated impacts.
How much does it cost?
Firing a traditional interceptor can cost thousands of dollars, but activating the laser is like turning on a light bulb, it is a way to keep the defense active without fear of running out of ammunition, and in prolonged conflicts (which Israel knows a lot about, by the way…)
Versions and flexibility
This system has more powerful versions, other mobile ones mounted on trucks and other lighter variants for shorter distances, this will allow them to adapt it to borders, urban areas or other rapid deployments. Hopefully they will not use it against the Palestinian people.
Everything works connected in a network, sharing data and targets in real time.
A clear message to the surroundings
From the Israeli government they have not hidden the symbolism of the moment, they speak of a historic milestone and a change in their own rules, both for defense and for “deterrence”. They believe that if they can shoot down threats before they reach their border, it reduces the impact on the civilian population (aha), and on top of that they hang the sustainability medal, it is a bit ironic, but they believe it works well that way.
And the rest of the world?
Other countries work with similar technologies, but according to the defense minister, it is the first time in the world that a high energy laser system is used and that it is managed to be articulated in an operational way, and this time they have integrated it into active national defense, that gives them technical advantage, practical experience and some learning under real conditions.
What comes next
Now they want to expand coverage, fine tune the systems and continue improving it, they seek precision, safety and speed. Experts say that this is the beginning of a technological revolution that is going to improve the country’s defensive capabilities, very useful for war.
The executives of the project are proud to deliver the most advanced laser system in the world, and although yes, it is a novelty, there are still many ethical questions that have not been answered about what is happening in Israel.