The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Defense Ministry have announced that a low-powered prototype of the "Iron Beam" Laser Weapon Air Defense System has been operational since at least 2024. This prototype was reportedly deployed along the Israel-Lebanon border during last year’s conflict with Hezbollah, successfully intercepting several one-way attack drones targeting northern Israeli communities. Each interception cost as little as \$1 to \$5, a fraction of the thousands typically spent per interception with the Iron Dome system. The IDF has released footage showing both the system and some of its successful interceptions. The full-power version of the "Iron Beam" is expected to be deployed later this year by the Israeli Air Defense Command.