Israel’s unveiling of its next-generation Iron Beam laser defense system comes as the country reports a record-setting $15 billion in arms sales for 2024 — a reminder that, despite global criticism, democratic nations continue turning to Israel for battlefield-proven security solutions. The Iron Beam arrives at a moment when European governments, Middle Eastern partners, and Asian allies seek reliable tools to counter escalating missile and drone threats.
Israel, already the world’s eighth-largest arms exporter, sells advanced systems across Europe, with Germany and Finland leading purchases. India, Thailand, Greece, and even Muslim-majority countries such as Morocco, the UAE, and Bahrain also buy missiles, drones, and cyber capabilities from Jerusalem.
The new Iron Beam laser represents a major shift in defense economics and speed. “With the laser, the only cost is electricity,” said Yuval Steinitz, chairman of France’s Rafael Defense Industries. “It is like between $1 and $2, less than the price of a hot dog in New York.” Traditional missile interceptors can cost up to $1 million each.
Unlike interceptor missiles, which require travel time, the laser hits at light-speed. “We have already used it against UAVs launched by Hezbollah in the north and missiles from Iran. It works,” said University of Tel Aviv professor Isaac Ben-David. “Once you see the target, it is intercepted at the speed of light.”
After decades of global failures, Israel is the first nation to deploy such technology in combat. Early Iron Beam units will be placed along the northern border before being expanded to naval and airbase protection. Steinitz said, “This is just the beginning of a new era… It’s really a game changer.”
