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What is 'Iron Beam', Israel's new anti-missile defence system?

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems are the primary developers of the Iron Beam anti-missile defence system

With tensions escalating between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, all eyes are on Israel's 'new age' anti-missile defence system, which is expected to be operational in a year.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems are the primary developers, with Israeli defence ministry's DDR&D’s R&D unit leading the project. The ministry signed the over $500 million deal with Rafael earlier this week.

The Iron Beam is a high-power laser air system, which can counter rockets, mortars, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and cruise missiles. It is expected to complement the Iron Dome system.

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Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is the architect of the Iron Dome system, too.

According to CNN, the prototype of the Iron Beam was unveiled in 2021.

How does Israel's Iron Beam work?

The Iron Beam system uses a ground-based high-power laser, which heats up the target’s engine or warhead, until it collapses.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems says on its website that the Iron Beam can "engage at the speed of light from a range of hundreds of meters to several kilometers. It has an unlimited magazine, almost zero cost per interception and causes minimal collateral damage".

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One drawback, however, is that the laser system may not be effective in cloudy, rainy or hazy weather, according to experts.

How is Iron Beam different from Iron Dome?

Israel’s Iron Dome is primarily designed to counter rockets and missiles, and not drones. The traditional system uses radar to identify the incoming threat, which is then neutralised midair by an interceptor missile.

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UAVs, which are small and light, have a low radar signature, like drones. Also, drones do not always have a specific location. Hence, the Iron Dome system may fail to pick them up at times.

The Iron Beam, on the other hand, will heat and destroy the drones and UAVs.