Facts for Prelims (FFP)
| Weapon System | Purpose and Features | Current Status | Future Developments |
| Iron Beam | Strengthen Israel’s air defence against short-range projectiles, drones, artillery, and mortar shells.
Uses a fibre laser to destroy airborne targets. Advantages include lower costs per shot, unlimited firings, lower operational costs, and no interceptor debris. |
Deployed in active combat service. | Expected increase in energy levels.
The naval version is in development for use on naval ships to protect against drone swarms. |
| Iron Dome | Short-range defence system with an intercept range of 2.5 to 43 miles.
Designed to protect populated areas. |
Deployed in active combat service. | Provides short-range defence against various threats. |
| David’s Sling | Designed to counter medium-range missiles.
Operational since 2017.- Uses the “Stunner” interceptor for medium- to long-range threats up to 185 miles. |
Limited use since becoming operational | Expected to play a vital role in Israel’s multi-tiered defence strategy, complementing Arrow and Iron Dome systems |
