What is Iron Beam?

About Iron Beam:

• The Iron Beam, also known as Magen or Light Shield, is a new laser-based missile defence system developed by Israel.
• It is a 100kW class High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) that is expected to become the first operational system in its class.
• It is a directed-energy weapon air defence system that fires powerful beams of light that can destroy fast-moving projectiles.
• Built by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Iron Beam was first unveiled in 2014.
• Its operational range extends up to 7 km (4.3 miles).
• Advantages:

• With a continuous energy supply for the laser, the advantage lies in never depleting ammunition, ensuring a sustained capability for defense.
• The absence of conventional ammunition will directly result in significant cost savings.
• Complementing Israel’s Irom Dome, it can be integrated with a range of platforms and can become part of any multilayer defence system.

• Disadvantages:

• Diminished effectiveness during restricted visibility, such as heavy cloud cover or adverse weather conditions. 
• It cannot operate effectively in wet conditions—the more moisture in the atmosphere, the more water particles absorb the laser’s energy. 
• Iron Beam requires a direct line of sight between the system and its target, making its placement far more critical. 
• It also has a much slower rate of fire, requiring five seconds or so to transmit sufficient energy to destroy its target.