Israel’s Development of Cost-Effective Laser Weapon Systems

The two systems differ sharply in power and threat profiles. Iron Beam’s higher energy output enables it to neutralise rockets, artillery shells, mortars, short-range ballistic threats, cruise missiles and UAVs at ranges of up to 10 km. Iron Beam Lite focuses on close-range threats, intercepting drones, small UAVs, swarms and short-range ground threats at up to around 3 km. While Iron Beam can deal with heavier and faster projectiles, Iron Beam Lite is optimised for lighter, low-flying targets.