Quick decision context for procurement relevance and maturity.
The 'Iron Beam mass-production contract' is a $536 million USD award to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (with Elbit Systems involvement) for mass production of the Iron Beam, Israel's high-energy laser (HEL) air defense system. It neutralizes short-range threats like rockets, artillery, mortars, and UAVs/drones up to 10 km away at near-zero cost per interception (~$3), complementing Iron Dome in Israel's multi-layered defense. The system, a 100 kW laser, achieved operational status in late 2025/early 2026 after successful tests and combat use.
Awarded to Rafael and Elbit in October 2024.