Rafael presented the Iron Beam 450 laser weapon, which will change the operation of air defense systems.

Israel Unveils Iron Beam 450 Laser System at DSEI 2025

The Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems unveiled the latest Iron Beam 450 air defense system at the DSEI 2025 defense exhibition in London. This laser complex demonstrates significant improvements in range and target interception speed compared to similar platforms.

Advantages of Iron Beam 450

The system’s creators emphasized that the Iron Beam 450 proved to be not only more effective but also a cost-effective alternative to previous models. Its unique characteristics allow it to confidently handle airborne threats. The system got its name due to its 450 mm aperture, making it one of the most powerful in Rafael’s laser weapon lineup. In size, the Iron Beam 450 surpasses both the Iron Beam-M and Lite Beam.

Versatility and Integration

Yoav Turgeman, CEO and President of Rafael, stated that the system’s demonstration at the exhibition highlights how modern laser technologies are transforming air defense systems. “This allows for highly effective interception at minimal cost,” he noted.

The Iron Beam 450 is part of the company’s broader laser weapon lineup. Previously, the lightweight Lite Beam system, with a power of 10 kW and designed for vehicle installation, was introduced. This series also includes the Iron Beam-M with a power of 50 kW for ground transport. A modification of the Iron Beam for ships was also shown at the DSEI exhibition.

According to Rafael representatives, these systems form a multi-level complex of integrated solutions that meet the requirements of Israel’s national air defense architecture. It has become especially important that Israel actively uses Rafael’s high-energy systems to protect the country in current conflicts.

Integration into the “Iron Dome” System

In June 2025, the company’s Vice President Shlomo Toaf announced that the Iron Beam would be integrated into Israel’s well-known “Iron Dome” air defense system. It is expected that this laser system will be able to effectively destroy aircraft, drones, and other threats, causing significant damage to metallurgy through the instant heating of solid objects.

According to Toaf, the Iron Beam is capable of hitting objects the size of a finger at a distance of up to 10 kilometers, thanks to a powerful laser beam with a power of about 100 kW.

Competitors at the DSEI Exhibition

At the DSEI exhibition, the Apollo laser system from the Australian company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) was also presented. The power of this complex is 100 kW. Apollo is designed to target drones weighing up to 600 kg and can simultaneously track up to 200 targets at 360 degrees.

Thus, the Iron Beam 450 and its counterparts open new horizons in the context of air defense, emphasizing the importance of laser technologies in modern military conflicts.