The new Energy Warfare Directorate will oversee all high-power laser projects, including Iron Beam.

Dr. Y., who joined Rafael around 12 years ago, has been appointed to lead the new directorate. She holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in physics from the Technion and has held several senior engineering roles, including leadership positions in the development and production of groundbreaking defense systems. Among her notable roles were head of the Iron Dome production line and head of electro-optics, overseeing some of the company’s most advanced technologies.

Dr. Y. will report to Zvi Marmor, Senior VP and Head of Rafael’s Land and Naval Division. Rafael’s division will continue managing the development, production, and marketing of integrated defense solutions, such as the Spike missile family, active and passive tank protection systems like Trophy, and the new high-power laser weapons program.

The new directorate will focus primarily on the Iron Beam system but also on the broader development and manufacturing of Rafael’s laser systems. 

“Dr. Y. brings extensive managerial experience, leading hundreds of developers and a deep understanding of both the technological and operational requirements,” said Rafael CEO Yoav Turgeman. “This will help advance these flagship projects and unlock their commercial and strategic potential both in Israel and globally.”

What is Iron Beam?

Iron Beam is a high-power ground-based laser air defense system designed to intercept aerial threats like rockets, mortars, drones, and cruise missiles. It is being developed by Rafael in collaboration with Elbit and Israel’s Defense Ministry’s Directorate for Defense R&D (MAFAT).

Intended to complement the Iron Dome—which intercepts threats up to 40 km—Iron Beam will cover shorter ranges up to 10 km using a powerful 100-kilowatt laser. Its key advantage lies in cost: while an Iron Dome interception costs around $30,000, an Iron Beam shot is estimated at only $5–10.