Israel debuts Iron Beam laser defense, $15B exports
Israel unveiled its Iron Beam laser air‑defense system and says it has already used the weapon in combat, while reporting a record $15 billion in arms exports for 2024. The Rafael‑built system, co-developed with Lockheed Martin and backed by $1.2 billion in U.S. Pentagon funding, intercepts rockets, mortars and drones up to six miles away for about $1–$2 per shot, with initial deployments planned in northern Israel and technology shared with the U.S. Army.
📌 Key Facts
- Israel’s 2024 arms exports reached a record ~$15B, ranking 8th globally.
- Iron Beam specs: ~6‑mile range; ~$1–$2 per interception; laser at speed of light.
- Co‑development with Lockheed Martin and ~$1.2B Pentagon funding; tech sharing with the U.S. Army; claimed combat use against Hezbollah UAVs and Iranian missiles.
📊 Relevant Data
Since October 7, 2023, Hezbollah, Iran, the Houthis in Yemen, and Palestinian armed groups in Gaza have launched 28,000 rocket, missile and drone attacks, mostly from Gaza and Lebanon, targeting Israel.
World Report 2025: Israel and Palestine — Human Rights Watch
Europe was the largest purchaser of Israeli defense goods in 2024, accounting for 54% of total exports, up from 35% in 2023.
Israeli arms sales break record for 4th year in row, reaching $14.8 billion in 2024 — The Times of Israel
Israel's gross expenditure on research and development was 6.35% of GDP in 2023, the highest in the world.
Israel Ranking in the Global Innovation Index 2025 — World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
The increase in European arms purchases from Israel in 2024 is attributed to heightened demand for air defense systems following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Israel's arms industry thrives on genocide and the world keeps buying — Middle East Eye