IMDEX 2025: Rafael prepares for sea trials of Naval Iron Beam

A computer-generated image of how a containerised mission module of the Naval Iron Beam system would look when deployed on a vessel's flight deck. (Rafael)

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is preparing to carry out sea trials of its Naval Iron Beam high-energy laser (HEL) short-range air-defence system.

Speaking to Janes at the IMDEX 2025 defence exhibition that took place from 6 to 8 May at the Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore, a representative from the company confirmed that preparations for the trials are now under way.

The series of trials will be carried out from a naval vessel, though further details on these, such as the ship involved, cannot be disclosed due to security concerns, said Ishai David, marketing communications manager, from the Naval Warfare Systems Directorate at Rafael.

According to David, the impending sea trials build on experience that has been gathered throughout the ongoing war with Hamas, which began after the 7 October 2023 incursions into Israel.

During the conflict, land-based variants of the Iron Beam HEL have proven their efficacy when faced with hostile unmanned aerial vehicles and short-range missiles fired by Hamas.

In addition, the deployment of such a system has greatly reduced the costs involved in intercepting rockets and missiles that are targeted towards Israel.

According to figures provided by David, the typical cost of stopping a Hamas-fired rocket has now gone down to “just a few cents” per interception with the utilisation of the Iron Beam system.

This is a stark difference compared with previous methods of interception, which can go up to millions of dollars, David explained.