The news week for the week of October 28th, 2024. This week, the Iron Beam is getting quite a bit of buzz.

Monday October 28th

Defense News Magazine released an article titled: Israel says it will field Iron Beam air defense lasers in a year

In the article, Tzally Greenberg discusses the Israeli MoD’s statement that the Iron Beam systems are in the integration process to serve as part of the network of Israeli air defense weapons within a year.

Like many other countries, Israel’s existing methodologies to achieve air defense includes systems such as the Tamir Missile which is used by the Iron Dome. With a cost of about $100,000 to launch each Tamir missile, the cost of defending against various air threats attacking Israel can become quite high. Lasers are viewed as a promising means for leveling the cost exchange in defense.

Tuesday October 29th

Airforce Technology released an article with the headline: Israel MoD signs $500m deal to boost Iron Beam production.

According to the article The air defence system, developed by Rafael and Elbit, is engineered to neutralise a range of aerial threats, including rockets, mortars, uncrewed aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles. 

The contract also encompasses continuous support services. Credit: Israel Ministry of Defense/Elbit Systems Ltd.

WEDNESDAY October 30th

Adam Jeffs of CUAS hub covered a report that UK MOD is planning to strengthen C-UAS and DEW capabilities

The article cites some statements from the UK’s Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence, emphasizing a commitment by the UK to strengthen C-UAS capabilities and the abilities of UK industry to contribute to this effort.

THURSDAY October 31st

Joseph Trevithick, Howard Altman, and Tyler Rogoway of The Warzone provide and article titled Lasers, Microwaves, Missiles, Guns Not On the Table for Domestic Drone Defense.The article covers an interesting distinction the US is following by which many of the kinetic and directed energy solutions for cUAS are considered unusable in CONUS due to concerns for collateral damage amongst the American public.