The Israeli Ministry of Defense has committed more than $500 million to expand serial production of the country’s first domestically developed weapon system, the Iron Beam, with lead developers Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems.

Iron Beam is a ground-based 100 kW-class high energy laser air defense system designed to counter aerial threats, including rockets, mortars, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles. The Israeli Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Defense, Research & Development (DDR&D) R&D Unit leads the project.

Under a newly signed contract, Elbit Systems will provide the Israeli Ministry of Defense with its high-powered laser solution as well as ongoing support services.

“The initial capability of the ground-based laser system developed through collaboration between the DDR&D, major defense industries, and startup companies is expected to enter operational service within one year,” said Eyal Zamir, director general of the Israeli Ministry of Defense. “The Iron Beam deal will ensure continued and accelerated procurement of many additional laser systems.”

The system is expected to integrate into Israel’s multilayered defense array as a complementary capability to the Iron Dome system.