An Israeli “Iron Beam” anti-drone laser battery seen during a test in 2025. The Iron Beam has proven effective at downing small drones, costing as little as a few dollars per shot. (Israeli Ministry of Defense)

Will Israel’s New Laser Weapon Revolutionize Air Defense?

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Israel’s “Iron Beam” cannot replace the “Iron Dome” kinetic missile defense system, but could be a valuable complement—and proof of concept for other armies to develop similar weapons.

The ongoing Iran war will likely prove to be one of this century’s most technologically interesting wars. The US has utilized artificial intelligence (AI) at every stage of the kill chain. Conversely, the Iranian use of drones has laid to rest any lingering notions that drones will not be as relevant in other theaters of war as they have been in Ukraine. But the war may also be remembered as the first war in which another, less-talked about technological innovation was used, which could prove to revolutionize the battlefield: Israel’s new Iron Beam, an air defense system built on lasers.

Israel’s air defense system is already world-renowned for its successes and innovations. The most famous element of this system is the Iron Dome, which, since its first operational deployment in 2011, has accomplished over 10,000 interceptions with a success rate of at least 90 percent. Israel’s system is also composed of the........

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