Khaberni - The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced on Sunday that it has introduced the first defense system operating with a laser known as "Iron Beam" (Iron Beam), to counter any aerial or missile threats.
The system was delivered to the Israeli Air Force during an official ceremony in northern Israel by its main developers, the Directorate of Research and Development in the Ministry of Defense and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said during the ceremony, "For the first time globally, a high-capacity laser interception system reaches full operational readiness and successfully executes multiple interceptions."
Katz added, "This tremendous achievement sends a decisive message to our enemies, both near and far: do not test us, or the consequences will be severe."
In turn, Rafael's Chairman Yoav Steinitz stated, "Israel has become the first country in the world to deploy an operational laser system to intercept air threats, including missiles and shells."
This laser system aims to enhance the interception capabilities of the Israeli Defense Forces and will be added to the other available air defense systems, notably the "Iron Dome".
The "Iron Dome" provides short-range protection against missiles and shells, while the "David's Sling" system and the Israeli-American "Arrow" missiles are designed to intercept ballistic missiles.
During the 12-day war in June between Iran and Israel, the Israeli missile defense system failed to intercept all ballistic missiles launched by Tehran towards Israel.
Israel later acknowledged that more than 50 missiles hit targets during that war, resulting in 28 deaths.
