Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has unveiled the Iron Beam 450 at DSEI 2025, presenting its largest and most capable laser air defense system to date.
The company said the new variant delivers faster response, longer reach, and better cost efficiency than earlier models.
Named for its 450-millimeter aperture — a step up from Rafael’s previous designs while keeping a compact footprint — the Iron Beam 450 was displayed alongside the Iron Beam-M and Lite Beam.
A distinct mounting gimbal sets the new system apart in Rafael’s lineup.
The Iron Beam 450 now leads the firm’s high-energy laser family. The Lite Beam, introduced at AUSA 2024, is a 10-kilowatt vehicle-based system, while the Iron Beam-M delivers 50 kilowatts through a 250-millimeter aperture.
Rafael has confirmed development of a naval version.
“The unveiling of the Iron Beam 450 at DSEI shows how breakthroughs in high-power laser technology are revolutionizing the air defense equation,” said Yoav Tourgeman, Rafael’s president and CEO. “It enables very low-cost, high-efficiency interceptions.”
Countering Drone Economics
The unveiling comes as militaries struggle with the economics of drone defense, often using interceptors worth tens of thousands against threats costing only hundreds.
Rafael positions the Iron Beam 450 as a scalable answer to that imbalance.
The debut also unfolded against a tense political backdrop. DSEI organizers barred Israeli officials from the expo over military actions in Gaza.
Israeli firms though, including Rafael, pressed ahead with their presentations.
