After a complex development process, the Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D) at Israel’s Defense Ministry and Rafael on Sunday delivered the first Iron Beam (Or Eitan) laser system to the Israel Defense Forces. The official ceremony took place at a Rafael facility.
The system, which proved its effectiveness in an extensive series of trials against a wide range of threats, successfully intercepted rockets, mortar shells, and unmanned aerial vehicles. It will be integrated into the Israeli Air Force and incorporated into Israel’s multi-layered air defense array as a complementary capability alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow.
During the ceremony, a Shehecheyanu blessing was recited by Dov Oster, a member of the DDR&D team who helped develop the system and the father of Capt. Eitan Oster (z”l), who fell in combat in southern Lebanon during the war. The system is named Or Eitan in his memory.
Or Eitan represents a global technological and engineering breakthrough. It is a high-power laser air defense system designed to counter aerial threats including rockets, mortars, and UAVs. The system is equipped with an advanced laser source and a unique electro-optical targeting unit, enabling the interception of a broad range of targets with extended range, maximum precision, and extremely high efficiency.