Reinforcing and Strengthening US Footprint
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will use AUSA 2022 in Washington DC to show the Iron Beam high energy laser weapon system (HELWS) in public for the first time.
The 100kW-class HELWS is the first laser system of its kind to have been documented intercepting a range of aerial threats. It is on track to become the first operational laser-based defence system that effectively intercepts a wide spectrum of threats – including RAM and UAVs as well as swarms of mini-UAVs – with pinpoint accuracy from a range of a few hundred yards to up to several miles. Iron Beam is designed to complement the Iron Dome air defence system, bolstering Rafael’s multi-layered defence portfolio – one of the three pillars on which the company’s presence at AUSA will rest:
Multi-Layered Air Defence: in addition to Iron Beam, Rafael will present the Iron Dome’s record of over 4,000 combat interceptions and a 90+% success rate. Known in the US as Sky Hunter, Iron Dome detects and assesses incoming threats, enabling precision interception. Also on show will be Stunner, which extends the medium range layer of defence: a lethal hit-to-kill interceptor countering rockets, short-range ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, Stunner is designed for ‘plug and play’ integration into existing air defence systems;
Long Range Precision Fires: the entire Spike missile family will be on display, including Spike NLOS (under contract as an LRPF capability for the AH-64E Apache), Spike LR2 (which could meet the US Army’s Close Combat Missile System-Heavy (CCMS-H) operational requirement), the Spike Firefly loitering munition and the shoulder-launched Spike SR.
Ground Manoeuvre Supporting Capabilities: from the Trophy active protection system to the 30mm medium-calibre weapon system (MWCS) developed with Oshkosh and Pratt Miller, Rafael will highlight systems of utility to the US Army, many of which feature a significant level of US content and involvement. The company is significantly strengthening its US footprint and will, for example, be exhibiting for the first time with PVP Advanced EO Systems, a California company it acquired in June. Other recent moves include achieving classified clearance for subsidiary Rafael Systems Global Sustainment, expansion of its C4ATS subsidiary in Orlando, and the establishment of joint venture R2S with Raytheon Technologies.
