Members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have successfully used the Iron Beam laser air defense systems against missiles. This is the world's first case of laser defense used against missiles.

Iron Beam was tested in 2022. It is designed for near area defense and is integrated into modern air defense systems. The system defeats airborne threats with a high-energy laser and can operate in all weathers.

According to Israeli media, the cost of intercepting one target is up to $4, while interception by the Iron Dome missile defense system is estimated to cost $50 thousand.

It was previously reported that a similar weapon was tested in Russia. The combat laser was used to destroy unmanned aerial vehicles. The system actually burns out the body of the drones along with the onboard equipment. Such guns are also being actively developed and tested in the US and UK.