The Iron Beam laser weapon system was handed over to the Israeli air force during a ceremony in northern Israel on 28/12. Israeli media reported this marks the first time such a laser air defense system has been commissioned by any military, despite its dozens of successful intercepts during conflicts in the Gaza Strip.

"For the first time in the world, a high-power laser air defense system has achieved full operational readiness and successfully intercepted targets multiple times," stated Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz at the ceremony.

Katz emphasized this as a "great achievement," enabling Israel to send a clear message to all adversaries: "Do not challenge us unless you wish to face serious consequences."

Yuval Steinitz, chairman of the Rafael defense corporation, which developed the Iron Beam system, stated, "Israel has become the first nation in the world to operationalize a laser system capable of real-world deployment, designed to intercept aerial threats such as rockets and missiles."

The Iron Beam laser system at its handover ceremony to the Israeli military on 28/12. *Photo: Israel Ministry of Defense*

The Iron Beam system was developed over more than a decade, following its announcement in 2014. The weapon reportedly achieved operational readiness in September, after completing its development and passing final tests.

Rafael stated that the system will not replace the Iron Dome shield or other Israeli air defense systems. Instead, Iron Beam will augment Israel's air defense network with capabilities to counter unmanned aerial vehicles and other small targets.

Israeli officials assert that Iron Beam "will never run out of ammunition, provided the system's energy supply is ensured," further describing the system as a turning point in solutions against small-sized targets.

However, a general drawback of laser weapons is their reduced effectiveness in limited visibility, including dense fog or other harsh weather conditions.

Pham Giang (According to AFP, Times of Israel, Haaretz)