Elbit Systems is bringing Israel’s Iron Beam to the skies by developing an airborne version of the laser weapon for the Israeli Air Force. The ground-based model, built by Rafael, uses a 100–150 kW solid-state laser from a truck to intercept drones, rockets, and cruise missiles at a fraction of the cost of traditional interceptors. Elbit’s new airborne adaptation could extend Iron Beam’s reach far beyond stationary defenses.
