Finally a weapon of the future appeared: Rafael has officially released laser air defense

Israeli engineers propose to install the Naval Iron Beam laser system on warships. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has introduced at IMDEX 2023 in Singapore its new laser air defense system for Naval Iron Beam ships, ShepardMedia reports. It is a maritime version of the Iron Beam land system that is successfully used by Israel to intercept missiles and drones. Naval Iron Beam is designed to protect ships from various air threats such as missiles, drones and shells.

The laser air defense system consists of two main components: laser module and optical-electronic module. The laser module generates a high-energy laser beam that goes to the target with the help of an optical-electronic module. The opto-electronic module provides detection, identification, support and aiming with cameras and radars. Naval Iron Beam can work both autonomously and integration with other air defense systems on board the ship.

Naval Iron Beam has a number of advantages over traditional air defense systems such as rockets or guns. First, Naval Iron Beam has very high accuracy and reliability, because the laser beam is not prone to the effects of atmospheric conditions or obstacles. Second, Naval Iron Beam has a very low shot value because it does not require consumables or fuel. Third, Naval Iron Beam has a very high reaction rate and goals, as the laser beam reaches the target almost instantly.