Rafael Presented its High-Energy Laser Systems at IAV 2025

Rafael presented its Lite Beam and Iron Beam high-energy lasers (HELs) at Defence iQ's International Armored Vehicles (IAV) 2025 conference held in the UK last week, according to a report by Janes. 

In October 2024, Rafael introduced the Lite Beam, an advanced 10-kilowatt laser weapon system designed to quickly and accurately neutralize aerial threats, including UAV swarms, and to protect ground forces during maneuvers.

Simultaneously, Rafael is advancing the Iron Beam (Lite Shield) laser system for the IDF. The system, in advanced development stages, has already undergone successful interception tests at Rafael's testing grounds in the Negev. Iron Beam is designed to counter mortars, rockets, anti-tank missiles, and UAVs, with a naval version, the Naval Iron Beam, also under development.

At IAV 2025, Rafael displayed a model of Lite Beam mounted on a 4×4 vehicle, although it can also be installed on 6×6, 8×8, and tracked armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) for both mobile and stationary protection of ground forces and critical infrastructure, such as airports and power stations. A model of a palletized Iron Beam mounted on an 8×8 truck was also exhibited, with the capability to be integrated into tactical trucks and armored vehicles.

A Rafael representative at the conference told Janes that the Iron Beam uses coherent beam combining (CBC) and has a range significantly exceeding Lite Beam’s 2–3 km. Janes learned that Iron Beam will reach its full operational capability and will be in in service with the Israeli Air Force by the end of 2025.