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Israel's air Defence systems, particularly the Iron Dome and the newly deployed Iron Beam, have garnered global attention for their effectiveness in countering rocket and drone attacks. According to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Iron Dome has a success rate of 90%, having intercepted over 5,000 rockets to date. On October 7, 2023, Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by countries including the UK, Germany, and Israel, launched 3,000 rockets from Gaza, underscoring the system’s critical role.
The Iron Dome, however, comes with a high cost. A report by the Washington-based Center for Strategic Studies estimates each interceptor missile costs between $40,000 and $50,000 (approximately BDT 4.8 million to 6.1 million). To address this expense, Israel has developed the Iron Beam, a laser-based system designed to neutralize smaller threats like drones, mortars, and rockets at a significantly lower cost.
Introduced by Rafael in 2014, the Iron Beam uses laser technology to intercept threats, with operational costs ranging from a few dollars to $2,000 per engagement (approximately BDT 243,000). Initially planned for deployment in October 2025, Israel’s military announced in May 2025 that the Iron Beam was already operational, marking a significant advancement in cost-effective air defense.
The Iron Beam’s ability to counter drones is particularly vital in modern warfare, where unmanned aerial vehicles pose increasing threats. While the Iron Dome remains a cornerstone of Israel’s defense, the Iron Beam’s lower costs and precision make it a game-changer in addressing evolving security challenges.
AI/MR
