Dubai (Agencies): Interest in advanced directed-energy weapons is rising across Gulf states as regional militaries seek cost-effective solutions to counter aerial threats. Israel’s new Iron Beam system, a high-powered laser designed to intercept missiles and drones, is garnering attention following its deployment.
Without such technology, Gulf nations rely on expensive missile interceptors to defend against drones and other projectiles, a costly and unsustainable approach. Sasha Bruchmann, a research fellow at the Bahrain office of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, noted that while Gulf states share an interest in directed-energy weapons, there is no cooperative Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) initiative to develop these systems.
Saudi Arabia has reportedly purchased a Chinese-made laser counter-drone system, while the United Arab Emirates appears to be pursuing independent development efforts. According to Janes, Saudi Arabia’s plans to enhance laser-based defense capabilities have advanced in recent months.
Israel’s Iron Beam, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, has been in the works for over a decade and is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025. In October 2024, the Israeli Defense Ministry signed a 2 billion shekel ($536 million) agreement with Rafael and Elbit Systems to accelerate the system’s production. The system complements the Iron Dome missile defense by using lasers to target and disable incoming threats. Unlike missile-based interceptors, Iron Beam offers a nearly unlimited supply of ammunition as long as it is powered, significantly reducing interception costs.
Iron Beam has demonstrated its ability to destroy threats at ranges of up to 10 kilometers by focusing high-energy laser beams on vulnerable spots of incoming projectiles. However, adverse weather conditions, such as fog or heavy rain, can affect its effectiveness by scattering the laser beams.
At the 2023 IDEX defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, Rafael showcased a model of the Iron Beam, hinting at potential future exports to Gulf nations. A Rafael spokesperson confirmed that additional laser-based technologies will be displayed at this year’s IDEX event, scheduled for February 17-21. However, experts believe political sensitivities may prevent Gulf nations from acquiring the Israeli system in the near term. Bruchmann pointed out that the ongoing conflict in Gaza has strained relations between Israel and Gulf states, making an arms deal politically sensitive.
“There are other hard-kill options that are already in the region that may be less costly politically rather than buying Israeli right now—Gaza is still on everyone’s mind in the Middle East,” Bruchmann said.
Despite its promise, Iron Beam’s range is currently limited to a few kilometers, which would require large-scale production and deployment to cover expansive areas. Whether Gulf nations will pursue Israeli laser technology or develop their own solutions remains an open question as regional security concerns persist.