Israel Tests Upgraded Iron Dome System Integrated With Laser Interceptor

Israel completed a series of tests on an upgraded Iron Dome aerial defense system that demonstrated new joint operational capabilities with the Iron Beam laser system, Defense News reported. The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced the results on Tuesday. The ministry declined to release technical specifics on the modifications.

It stated that the upgrades improve the system’s ability to handle high rates and volumes of fire, allowing air defenses to manage massive, concentrated saturation salvos more effectively. Joint operational scenarios were executed and managed directly from the Iron Dome’s battle management center.

The integration permits commanders to switch between missile and laser interceptions based on the incoming threat, system availability and cost-benefit calculations, the government said.

The Iron Dome was declared operational in 2011, when it achieved its first interception of a Gaza-launched Grad rocket. Each battery consists of a radar system, a command center and missile launchers carrying about 20 Tamir interceptors, protecting against threats within a range of 4 to 70 kilometers. Rafael is the primary developer for both the Iron Dome and the Iron Beam.

The Iron Beam is designed to neutralize targets within four to five seconds at ranges up to 10 kilometers. An Iron Beam laser pulse costs only a few dollars, while a single Tamir interceptor missile costs roughly $50,000. -Iran ceasefire and persistent drone salvos from Hezbollah along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon.