Israel's high energy laser air defense system, known as Iron Beam, was expected to strengthen protection in the north against unmanned aircraft and drones. Although it successfully completed trials and was declared operational in 2025, it has seen little use in the current fighting. Dozens of hostile aircraft have crossed the border, many intercepted instead by helicopters, missiles, or small arms fire, raising questions about the system's effectiveness.

Despite billions of shekels invested and promises of interceptions costing only a few shekels per shot, the system remains limited in scope. It can currently handle only light, slow moving drones and cannot counter rockets or ballistic missiles. Each unit costs tens of millions of shekels, and building a comprehensive defensive shield would require billions more that have not yet been allocated.

Experts say expectations have outpaced reality. The laser is sensitive to weather conditions, operates at short range, and can engage only one target at a time, making it less effective against swarms. Technical constraints, including heat management and limited power output, mean it is not yet capable of serving as a broad replacement for existing missile defense systems, and further research and investment will be needed before it can fulfill its early promise.