Lockheed Martin Teams Up with Rafael for Cutting-Edge Laser Defense Technology
Lockheed Martin and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Ltd., based in Israel, have established a collaborative agreement that focuses on the joint development, testing, and production of a High Energy Laser Weapon Systems (HELWS) in both the U.S. and Israel. This future collaboration will build on innovations that have been autonomously developed by RAFAEL and the Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) under the IRON BEAM initiative. The partnership aims to create a version of the system tailored for the American market alongside other regions.
Following extensive joint development efforts spearheaded by the Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) in conjunction with RAFAEL, the IRON BEAM project was launched by the DDR&D. Over the past year, a series of evaluations highlighted the operational effectiveness of the system. IRON BEAM is a 100kW-class HELWS, anticipated to be the first fully operational system for land-based air defense against threats including rockets, mortars, and UAVs, delivering a response at light speed.
RAFAEL’s CEO and President Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Yoav Har-Even stated:
“This strategic collaboration agreement acts as a force multiplier for RAFAEL and the Israeli defense market. Our goal is to guarantee that our clients receive the most sophisticated, efficient, and top-tier systems. This partnership will broaden and diversify the capabilities we can provide to a wide range of customers.”
Lockheed Martin Chief Operating Officer, Frank St. John remarked:
“Lockheed Martin’s mission is to furnish premier security solutions that empower our clients to stay ahead of their competitors. In collaboration with Rafael, our united team will facilitate the delivery of this groundbreaking, life-preserving capability to our clientele. This remarkable advancement will reinforce Israel’s critical air and missile defense infrastructure with cutting-edge laser technology, and we are privileged to have the chance to enhance Lockheed Martin’s role as a security partner for the State of Israel.”
