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Israel to Deploy Revolutionary Laser Weapon 'Iron Beam' by 2025

Israel's Iron Beam promises a game-changer in drone defense. But will its limitations and high cost hinder widespread adoption?

In this picture, we can see a few military tankers, we can see the ground with some objects, grass,...
In this picture, we can see a few military tankers, we can see the ground with some objects, grass, trees, smoke, and the sky with clouds.

Israel to Deploy Revolutionary Laser Weapon 'Iron Beam' by 2025

Israel's Ministry of Defense has announced plans to deploy the Iron Beam 450, a revolutionary laser weapon system, by 2025. This system promises to revolutionize drone defense, with an estimated cost of between $50 million and $150 million.

Iron Beam operates by using a 100-kilowatt fiber laser housed in an ISO container. It can intercept drones within a range of about ten kilometers, requiring only a few seconds for a successful interception. The system can operate independently or be integrated into the Iron Dome command and control systems, and it requires a separate generator for power supply.

However, Iron Beam has its limitations. It works best in clear weather, which may limit its usefulness in various environments. Additionally, conventional air defense systems remain more practical, reliable, and economical for most scenarios. Furthermore, the system's large size and stationary nature make it vulnerable to relatively inexpensive weapons, raising concerns about its practicality in certain situations.

Despite these considerations, Israel is pressing ahead with the deployment of Iron Beam, aiming to have it operational by the end of 2025. The system promises to provide drone defense at a cost of just five dollars per shot, making it an attractive option for specific defense needs. However, its high cost and specific use cases may limit its widespread adoption.

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