Air and missile defense: Israel completes Iron Dome upgrade tests with Iron Beam laser integration [VIDEO]

The test series was conducted by the Israel Missile Defense Organization at the Directorate of Defense Research & Development within the Israel Ministry of Defense, together with Rafael. The ministry said the work incorporated operational lessons learned during the war.

The tests covered scenarios simulating rockets, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. They also examined technological improvements designed to help Iron Dome contend with high rates and volumes of fire.

Iron Dome receives additional upgrade: Israel MOD and @RAFAELdefense successfully complete comprehensive test series.

Read More: https://t.co/Tkquqh8WuK pic.twitter.com/Jy3e2PTt42

— Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) June 30, 2026

As part of the operational integration of the Iron Beam high-power laser system, the series included joint operational scenarios inside the Iron Dome battle management center. Iron Beam is being developed by the Directorate of Defense Research & Development’s research and development unit as a complementary system to Iron Dome.

The ministry said the new capabilities demonstrated in the test series represent a significant leap in the system’s ability to counter a wide range of attack scenarios. It said the upgrades form an additional pillar in its strategy to improve readiness for a demanding security decade while preserving the Israel Defense Forces’ qualitative and strategic advantage.

Iron Dome was delivered to the Israeli Air Force and declared operational in 2011. The ministry said the system is a major component of Israel’s air and missile defense array and has intercepted thousands of rockets and air-breathing threats during the war.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is the primary developer of Iron Dome. The system was developed in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries through its ELTA Systems division, and mPrest.

Rafael is also the primary developer of Iron Beam. Elbit Systems is responsible for the laser source, with additional defense industries including SCD and Shafir Production Systems involved.

IMDO Director Moshe Patel said: “Throughout the war, and even more so during Operation Roaring Lion, we confronted an unprecedented reality of relentless barrages that demanded extraordinary operational flexibility and real-time field support under peak conditions. The Iron Dome system remains a central pillar of Israel’s multi-layered defense concept for countering missiles and ABT threats.”

“During this test series, we also exercised the integration of the Iron Beam laser system into the Iron Dome command and control architecture – elevating the system’s capabilities and its importance to the defense of the home front. Alongside broader system upgrades, the IMDO is leading multiple initiatives to accelerate interceptor production rates in both Israel and the United States, thereby strengthening readiness for any scenario.”

“The defense establishment continues to upgrade Iron Dome and Iron Beam capabilities – in the air, on land, and at sea – even under fire during wartime, to increase the effectiveness of Israel’s air and missile defense array and enable civilian normalcy even during periods of active conflict.” Rafael said the test series validated new capabilities across complex scenarios.

Rafael CEO Yoav Tourgeman said: “Rafael is proud to conclude another advanced test series of the Iron Dome defense system, during which new capabilities were successfully validated across complex scenarios – including the integration of the Iron Beam laser system, developed by Rafael and delivered to the IDF several months ago. Iron Dome, a central pillar of Israel’s defense, continues to prove itself time and again, even during periods of intense combat, and to stay ahead of future threats.”

“The test series, conducted together with our partners in the Israeli Air Force, the IMDO, and the test and evaluation corps, represents a further expansion of the system’s capability envelope, which will be integrated into the IDF’s air defense array. The innovation, creativity, and commitment of Rafael’s scientists and engineers enable us to continue leading the field of air defense and to provide the State of Israel with advanced, effective, and operational solutions for the protection of its citizens and its security.”

The Israel Ministry of Defense said the latest upgrades are part of continuing efforts to enhance air and missile defense capability. The tests also showed how Iron Dome and Iron Beam are being integrated to strengthen Israel’s layered defense architecture.