Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has unveiled “Iron Beam 450,” the latest evolution of its high-energy laser system, now equipped with a significantly larger 450-millimeter beam director.
The upgraded aperture marks a leap from the previous 250mm model, allowing the system to track and engage threats at much greater distances with sharper accuracy.
The extra size also helps the beam stay focused longer, even when dealing with turbulence, dust, or other atmospheric interference.
“These upgrades enable longer-range interceptions, faster engagement cycles, and even more precise targeting — while maintaining its unique advantages: speed-of-light threat neutralization, negligible per-intercept cost, and wide-area defense against rapid and complex aerial threats,” the company noted.
The system will be on display at the Paris Air Show from June 16 to 22.
Inside Israel’s Combat-Tested Laser Defense
Iron Beam is Israel’s high-energy laser defense system designed to intercept aerial threats like drones, rockets, and mortars using focused light.
The system uses adaptive optics to maintain laser accuracy on targets as small as a coin from up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away.
Unlike missile-based interceptors, Iron Beam does not rely on ammo and reportedly costs almost nothing to fire.
The laser saw real combat during the Iron Swords war, where it was used to intercept drones and other aerial threats launched by Hezbollah.
Other Variants
While Iron Beam 450 is expected to be the headline act in Paris, it is not showing up alone.
Rafael is also rolling out Iron Beam M, a mobile version that keeps the 250mm director but trades size for speed and flexibility.
It is designed to move with frontline units and protect key sites without needing a huge setup.
Then there’s Lite Beam, a 10-kilowatt system built for convoys, small teams, or pop-up bases that need laser defense in a hurry.
Both variants carry the same core traits: fast engagement, low cost per shot, and no limits on how often they can fire.
