Rafael Advanced Defense Systems confirmed that its Iron Beam laser air defense system will be delivered to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and declared operational by the end of 2025. The announcement came as Rafael revealed record-breaking financial results for 2024, reflecting surging global demand for Israeli defense technology.
Iron Beam will become the world’s first laser-based air defense system to reach operational deployment, a revolutionary leap in missile interception capability and cost efficiency.
“We are the first company in the world to bring such an operational laser product,” said Rafael CEO Yoav Turgeman. “Despite all the challenges, we are meeting our commitment. This is a significant global achievement.”
A Strategic Revolution in Air Defense
Iron Beam is a directed energy weapon designed to intercept rockets, UAVs, and mortars at the speed of light. Unlike traditional missile interceptors such as Iron Dome—which cost tens of thousands of dollars per shot—Iron Beam offers near-zero cost per shot, allowing sustainable and rapid-fire defense against mass barrages of enemy projectiles.
Turgeman explained that Iron Beam will serve as a complement to Iron Dome, reducing dependency on missile stockpiles and dramatically lowering Israel’s overall interception costs. “It will increase efficiency and reduce costs, due to interception at the speed of light,” he said.
Combat-Ready Despite Wartime Pressures
Rafael’s announcement comes in the midst of Israel’s ongoing war against Iran-backed terrorist proxies, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Houthi rebels in Yemen. These adversaries have fired over 50,000 rockets, UAVs, and missiles at Israel since October 7, 2023—testing the resilience of Israel’s multi-layered air defense network.
Despite these challenges, Rafael not only met its operational commitments but also achieved record annual revenue of NIS 17.8 billion in 2024, a 27% increase from the previous year. The company’s order backlog reached NIS 64.7 billion, representing nearly four years of work.
Turgeman credited this success to Rafael’s long-term innovation and agility under pressure. “In 2024, 20% of our employees were mobilized for reserve duty. We were attacked by rockets. Schools were closed. But we still delivered.”
A Boost to the Israeli Economy and Security
Beyond its military significance, Rafael’s success has made it the largest employer in northern Israel, with 10,000 direct and 20,000 indirect employees. The company invested over NIS 6 billion in R&D and expects to increase that investment by 30% in 2025.
According to Rafael Chairman Dr. Yuval Steinitz, “Iron Beam is not just a technological breakthrough—it’s a national engine for economic growth and regional development.”
Part of Israel’s Multi-Layered Shield
Iron Beam will integrate into Israel’s already world-renowned air defense array, which includes:
- Iron Dome: Short-range missile defense
- David’s Sling: Medium-range interception
- Arrow 2 and 3: Long-range, exo-atmospheric missile interceptors
- Spyder: Mobile defense for UAV and cruise missile threats
Combined, these systems form a fortress-like shield around the State of Israel, enabling it to withstand unprecedented levels of sustained rocket and drone warfare.
