Rafael’s IRON BEAM goes Naval at IMDEX 2023

Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd has shown its IRON BEAM directed energy weapon system at IMDEX 2023 in Singapore.

Rafael, alongside the Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) has successfully completed a series of live field tests with the IRON BEAM high-power laser interception system against steep-track threats.   The NAVAL IRON BEAM is designed to quickly and effectively engage and neutralize a variety of threats, including short-range ballistic rockets, drones and UAVs of various sizes. 

Like its land-based variant, the naval application can be integrated into an existing air defence system such as the IRON DOME, thus constituting a complementary, cost-effective defence solution, in addition to the kinetic air defence capability.

“Evolving threats require dynamic and evolving solutions, the NAVAL IRON BEAM is an excellent example of such a defence solution,” said the Head of Rafael’s Land and Naval Systems Directorate, Executive Vice President Dr. Ran Gozali.

The company has also showcased the newest configuration of the naval version of IRON DOME, known as the C-DOME Mission Module. With C-DOME already tested and operational in the Israeli Navy, Rafael has developed the C-DOME Mission Module concept for local defence applications on OPVs, auxiliary ships and other naval support ships and assets. It provides them with advanced air defence capabilities but without the need for deck penetration, vessel hull retrofit or complex platform integration.