Air defense system upgraded: Israel reveals secret laser weapon, the 'Iron Beam'

Report by Wissam Nasrallah, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

In its recent war against Lebanon, Gaza, and other fronts, Israel has relied on a variety of air defense systems, including the Iron Dome, Arrow, and David's Sling, and even the U.S.-made THAAD system. 

However, more than six months after the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, Israeli officials have revealed the deployment of a previously undisclosed system: the "Iron Beam "or" Magen Or" in Hebrew.

According to the Israeli military, the laser interception system was used to down Hezbollah drones during the recent round of hostilities on the northern border. 

While still under development and not officially commissioned, it is expected to be fully operational later this year. A prototype version of the system was reportedly activated in combat and successfully intercepted dozens of drones, a growing threat on the Lebanese front.

Unlike conventional missile-based defense systems, the Iron Beam uses high-energy laser technology to destroy aerial targets with pinpoint accuracy. The system's main advantage lies in its operational cost: while each Iron Dome interceptor missile costs between $40,000 and $50,000, the Iron Beam consumes only electricity to neutralize incoming threats.

Israeli defense officials believe the system could redefine deterrence by offering rapid, precise, and low-cost interception—particularly in scenarios involving mass drone attacks that rely more on volume than accuracy.