Iron Beam Laser Defense System Wins Prestigious 2026 Aviation Week Laureate Award

The Israel Ministry of Defense Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) Iron Beam laser interception system, developed with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems, has won the prestigious 2026 Aviation Week Laureate Award.

The award recognizes the development of the world’s first high-energy laser interception system, providing a fast, efficient, and cost-effective defense against rocket, missile, and UAV threats through a series of tests.

Developed by IMOD’s DDR&D, Rafael, and Elbit Systems, the “Iron Beam” has demonstrated its effectiveness against a wide range of threats, achieving successful interceptions of rockets, mortars, and drones.

Since its establishment in 1957, the Aviation Week Laureate Awards have been among the most prestigious honors in the global aerospace and defense industry, celebrating groundbreaking innovation and exceptional contributions to the international aerospace community.