Jerusalem, Dec. 28 -- The Israeli military received its first operational high-power laser air-defense system on Sunday, the Israeli Defense Ministry said, calling it a milestone in the country's multi-layered defense capabilities.
Dubbed Iron Beam and developed by the ministry's research directorate in collaboration with the Israeli arms firm Rafael, the system is designed to intercept short-range ballistic threats such as rockets, mortar shells, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The ministry said it will be integrated into the Israeli Air Force alongside existing systems, including the short-range Iron Dome, the David's Sling for medium- to long-range missiles, and Arrow systems for long-range ballistic missile interception.
Defense Minist...