Iron Beam: a new chapter in Israel's missile defence saga

Abstract

Israel’s armed forces are expected to soon deploy Iron Beam, a new laser-based air defence system. Thanks to its technology, it could significantly reduce the financial burden of existing systems such as Iron Dome. However, technical uncertainties remain and suggest that it may not yet represent a game changer for missile defence strategies. In the meantime, it deepens the Israeli reliance on defensive systems, begetting fundamental questions about the ways missile defence programmes affect countries’ strategic culture.