Israel says it will field Iron Beam air-defense lasers in a year
A contract with manufacturers Rafael and Elbit will accelerate the laser-defense system, which is meant to relieve pressure from traditional interceptors.
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What is Iron Beam?
Iron Beam is a laser-based air defense system designed to intercept and disable incoming threats such as rockets, missiles, drones, and cruise missiles. The system uses a high-powered laser cannon to generate a intense beam of energy that can damage or destroy targets, even at long range.
How does Iron Beam work?
Iron Beam operates by using a laser cannon to generate a high-powered beam of energy that is directed at the incoming threat. The laser beam is designed to be highly focused, allowing it to penetrate the target's armor and cause significant damage. The system can be programmed to follow low-flying targets, making it effective against a range of air threats.
Advantages of Iron Beam
Iron Beam offers several advantages over traditional air defense systems. One of its main benefits is its relatively low cost, as the energy required to launch an Iron Beam interceptor is similar to the energy required to launch a traditional interceptor. This makes Iron Beam an attractive option for countries looking to improve their air defense capabilities without breaking the bank.
Another advantage of Iron Beam is its ability to operate in a variety of environments, including cloudy or sandstorm conditions. This makes it a more versatile option than traditional air defense systems, which can be less effective in these conditions.
Limitations of Iron Beam
While Iron Beam is a highly effective air defense system, it does have some limitations. One of its main limitations is its ability to deal with large rocket barrages, which can be difficult to intercept using a laser-based system. Additionally, Iron Beam's effectiveness can be impaired by weather conditions such as clouds, rain, or sandstorms, which can reduce the accuracy of the laser beam.
Integration with existing air defense systems
Iron Beam is designed to be integrated into existing air defense systems, including the Israeli air defense network. The system will be used in conjunction with other air defense systems, such as the Iron Dome batteries, to provide a more comprehensive and effective defense against a range of air threats.
Benefits of integration
The integration of Iron Beam into the Israeli air defense network is expected to provide several benefits. One of the main advantages is its ability to provide an additional layer of defense against a range of air threats, including rockets, missiles, drones, and cruise missiles.
Another benefit is its ability to provide a more affordable option for air defense, as the energy required to launch an Iron Beam interceptor is similar to the energy required to launch a traditional interceptor. This makes Iron Beam an attractive option for countries looking to improve their air defense capabilities without breaking the bank.
Comparison to other air defense systems
Iron Beam is compared to other air defense systems, such as the Iron Dome system, which uses traditional interceptors to defend against incoming threats. While Iron Dome is effective against small rockets and mortar shells, it can be expensive to deploy and maintain. Iron Beam, on the other hand, offers a more affordable option for air defense, as the energy required to launch an interceptor is similar to the energy required to launch a traditional interceptor.
Timeline for integration
The integration of Iron Beam into the Israeli air defense network is expected to take place within the next year. The system is currently undergoing operational development and adaptation to the battlefield, and is expected to be fully integrated into the air defense network by the end of 2024.
Budget allocation
The budget for the integration of Iron Beam into the Israeli air defense network is estimated to be approximately NIS 2 billion (approximately $536 million). The majority of this budget will be allocated to Rafael, the main developer of the Iron Beam system, while a smaller portion will be allocated to Elbit, the supplier of the laser cannon.
Overall, the integration of Iron Beam into the Israeli air defense network represents a significant milestone in the country's efforts to bolster its defenses and counter the growing threat from airborne adversaries. With its advanced laser technology and affordable design, Iron Beam is expected to provide a valuable addition to the Israeli air defense network, helping to protect the country from a range of air threats.