In the ongoing crisis and confrontation with Hamas, Israel is preparing to deploy its advanced laser system of weapons, known as the “Iron Ray,” to enhance its air defense capabilities.
According to reports from open sources on Twitter, the Iron Ray will now be operational as a component of the Israeli anti-missile defense system. It has the capability to intercept and destroy incoming missiles, drones, artillery, and mortar shells.
What is the “Iron Ray” of Israel?
Officially known as “Magen” in Hebrew meaning “Light Shield,” the Iron Ray was presented by the Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advance Defense Systems at an air show in Singapore on February 11, 2014. It is specifically designed to target short-range projectiles that are too close for interception by the Iron Dome system. The Iron Ray has a range of 7 km and can also engage unmanned aerial vehicles.
The Iron Ray utilizes a fiber laser to destroy airborne targets. One of the main advantages of directed energy weapons over traditional missile systems is the lower cost per shot, unlimited firing capability, and reduced operating expenses.
By 2016, the laser system had reached a capacity of “tens of kilowatts.” A 2020 report stated that the Iron Ray can neutralize missiles, drones, and mortar shells within four seconds after two high power lasers make contact with the target.
In December 2022, Rafael and Lockheed Martin announced their collaboration to develop a laser defense system based on the Iron Ray project. The objective is to create a system combining two solid lasers that can deliver a power output of up to 300 kW.
Rafael has also developed the “Sea Iron Ray” system, intended for installation on warships to protect against various threats. The company has focused its attention on studying the performance of direct energy weapons in the maritime environment.
With the ground model testing almost complete, Rafael has begun production and aims to make it operational within the next three years. The company estimates that the launch of the naval version will take around 4 to 5 years.
Stabilizing the laser has been one of the key areas of development. It is crucial to ensure that the energy is concentrated on the target for an optimal duration to effectively damage it. Intensive testing has enabled the ground version to achieve the same level of accuracy as the prototype system.
The ground version of the Iron Ray is currently in the final stage of testing and has successfully reached the 7th level of technology readiness.