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Iron Beam: How Israel’s New Laser Weapon Works | WSJ | COFYT

7 months ago

Iron Beam: How Israel’s New Laser Weapon Works | WSJ

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Iron Beam: How Israel’s New Laser Weapon Works | WSJ

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Iron Beam: How Israel’s New Laser Weapon Works | WSJ

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The transcript indicates that the Iron Beam system's sensors can be hampered by rainy and cloudy conditions. This means it may be inoperable during colder months in Israel, such as November and December, according to defense engineer and military analyst Uzi Rubin.

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The "bloom effect" refers to the widening and dilution of the laser beam as it travels through the air. This reduces the beam's power and makes its impact on the target less effective. The longer the distance, the more pronounced the bloom effect becomes.

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About this Video

Video Title: Iron Beam: How Israel’s New Laser Weapon Works | WSJ
Channel: The Wall Street Journal
Speakers: Uzi Rubin (defense engineer and military analyst), Naftali Bennett (Israeli departing Prime Minister), President Biden (voiceover)
Duration: 00:05:32

Introduction

This Wall Street Journal video explains how Israel's new laser weapon system, "Iron Beam," works and discusses its potential, limitations, and potential collaboration with the US. The video details the system's components, cost-effectiveness compared to traditional missile defense, and its weaknesses, including range limitations and weather sensitivity.

Key Takeaways

Iron Beam's Functionality: Iron Beam uses a laser gun, a surveillance system, and a command center to target drones, rockets, and mortars. It fires a fiber optic beam using approximately 100 kW of power.
Cost-Effectiveness: While an Iron Dome interceptor missile costs $50,000 or more, the Iron Beam's cost per target engagement is estimated at as low as $2. This is due to the lack of ammunition and reduced logistical needs.
Limitations: Iron Beam has a shorter range than the Iron Dome and is vulnerable to adverse weather conditions (rain, clouds). Its "dwell time" (time to neutralize a target) is slower than the Iron Dome, potentially hindering its effectiveness against multiple incoming rockets. The beam also experiences a "bloom effect," where its power diminishes over distance.
US Collaboration: Israel is seeking US collaboration to improve Iron Beam's technology, particularly its range. President Biden has expressed US support for the project, and Congress is considering additional funding for the Iron Dome, a system that the US Army is also testing.
Global Interest in Laser Weapons: The video highlights that several countries, including the US, Russia, and China, are developing similar laser weapon technologies.

Israel is seeking support from the US to improve the Iron Beam's range and overall capabilities. President Biden signaled US support during a state visit to Israel, highlighting a commitment to Israel's security and a partnership on cutting-edge defense systems, including the Iron Beam and Iron Dome. Congress is also considering sending Israel an additional $1 billion for the Iron Dome, which the US Army is also testing. This indicates broader US interest in and support for laser weapon technology.