• Source:JND
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Israel's 'Iron Beam,' which employs high-powered lasers to target projectiles, is likely to be operational within a year, according to some reports. The Israeli defense ministry remarked that this laser defense system will enhance the Iron Dome and other defense systems, signaling a "new era of warfare."

The Iron Beam, which has cost Israel over $500 million, will be used to intercept and neutralize missiles, drones, rockets, and mortars, especially as the country faces conflicts with Hamas in Palestine and Hezbollah in Iran.

The ongoing war between the three countries has led to significant destruction, also hitting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in the coastal city of Caesarea.

Israel's Iron Dome has been made by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in partnership with Elbit Systems. It intercept targets at the speed of light over distances from hundreds of meters to several kilometers.

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According to the experts cited by CNN, Israel's defense ministry stated that the Iron Beam will target smaller projectiles, while larger threats, such as ballistic missiles, will be handled by the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 interceptors. The system will heat and destroy its targets, including drones, which are small, lightweight, and possess a low radar signature, making them challenging for the Iron Dome to intercept.

The system, however, have some limitations like it cannot work in low visibility conditions and inclement weather.

The system will operate at a significantly lower cost compared to the Iron Dome. According to the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies, each interceptor missile launched by the Iron Dome is estimated to cost around $50,000.