Iron Beam Laser Sees Surging Global Interest: Israeli Missile Official

Global interest in Israel's Iron Beam laser weapon system is surging, particularly from Europe, due to its low operating cost and effectiveness against drones, according to Moshe Patel, director of the Israeli Missile Defense Organization. The system, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, can destroy drones, rockets, and missiles at the speed of light with an "unlimited magazine." Patel stated that countries are showing "huge interest" in the system, which is now in serial production and being fully deployed by Israeli forces after intercepting dozens of Hezbollah drones in 2024. Its low cost offers a sustainable alternative to expensive traditional air defenses for countering the growing drone threat, a priority for NATO. A spokesperson for Israel's defense ministry noted that arms sales, including Iron Beam, are crucial for the country's economy and foreign policy, aiming to "preserve the Israeli military's edge."