ISRAEL has deployed an unstoppable new weapon that can blast drones out of the sky at the speed of light.
The first combat-ready Iron Beam laser interception system was released to the IDF on Sunday, according to the country’s Defence Ministry.
The weapon – developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd – was dubbed “Iron Beam” for its ability to intercept rockets, mortar shells and drones, following extensive testing.
The mobile air defence system fires powerful beams of light into the sky to turn fast-moving projectiles into dust.
It was designed as a cheaper alternative to work alongside Israel’s famous Iron Dome.
The machine only needs a constant source of energy for the laser to work, meaning that there is no risk of it ever running out of ammo.
Defence Minister Israel Katz called the weapon handover “a historic occasion”, saying the system marks “the first time in the world that a high-power laser interception system has reached operational maturity”.
“[It will] change the rules of the game and sense a clear message to all our enemies,” he said.
“Do not test us.”
The weapon will be absorbed into the air force and integrated into Israel’s multi-layered Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow systems.
Defence Ministry Director General Amir Baram said the delivery of the Iron Beam was “only the beginning of the technological revolution” and “[marked] the transition from development to serial production” of the weapon.
He said it would improve both Israel’s defensive capabilities, as well as the cost-balance between threats and expensive interceptors.
IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar was “especially moved” by the handover, saying the system was a “vital component in the air defence of [Israel’s] battle forces”.
On Sunday, Yoav Turgeman – the Chief Executive Officer of Rafael – said the company was “proud to deliver … the most advanced laser system in the world for intercepting aerial threats”.
He said Rafael had “proved impressive operational capabilities using high-power lasers”.
The system has been named Or Eitan in Hebrew, translating to ‘Eitan’s light’, in memorial of 22-year-old Captain Eitan Oster, a commander in the Egoz Commando Unit who perished fighting Hezbollah in the south of Lebanon in October last year.
His father was one of the system’s developers attended the handover on Sunday, and recited the Shehecheyanu, a Jewish blessing that expresses appreciation for new and special experiences.
The Iron Beam has been in development for more than a decade, after being first unveiled in 2014.
It was declared operational in September following the completion of development and final testing.
The system is designed to work in tandem with the Iron Dome and other defence systems, rather than to replace them.
It will focus on shooting down smaller projectiles, so the more robust missile-based batteries can shoot down larger threats.