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Robert Wall
October 09, 2025
Rafael showed the full-scale beam director for Iron Beam the first time at this year’s DSEI. Credit: Robert Wall/Aviation Week Network
LONDON—Rafael has launched the industrial phase of adapting its Iron Beam high-power laser air defense system for maritime applications.
The effort will involve changes, including in some algorithms, to compensate for swaying of the ship platform to be able to maintain energy on target, a company official said, adding the issue should be easily addressed.
Development of the maritime Iron Beam appears linked to an Israeli naval ship program, which is driving the development schedule.
Israel’s Defense Ministry in May said Iron Beam had achieved its combat debut. The test involved a prototype system. The company is currently scaling up production of Iron Beam for the Israeli customer.
Rafael also is ramping up efforts to secure export deals, with the company official saying a contract could still be signed this year. Rafael is teamed with Lockheed Martin to market the system in the U.S., with the focus now on trying to make it part of the Golden Dome air and missile defense program.
The state-owned defense company also is working on mobile versions of Iron Beam, one for 4 X 4 vehicle use and one for 8 X 8 vehicle applications. Those use smaller beam directors than the standard Iron Beam. They also employ fewer lasers than the 120 that Rafael uses on the main Iron Beam system and focuses one single point on the target, each adjusted through adaptive optics to compensate for atmospheric defraction. The mobile systems are about two years from fielding.
