{ "id": "AIBD-0327", "title": "Israel's Iron Beam laser may have made its first combat interception, of a Hezbollah drone, in footage of 2 March 2026", "summary": "Ynet and JPost (2 March 2026) call the video unconfirmed; Times of Israel (27 Mar, 30 June 2026) quotes officials that Iron Beam “has not yet been declared operational”. No cited source calls it AI.", "date_observed": "2026-03-02", "date_basis": "unassessed", "date_precision": "unassessed", "benefit_status": null, "source_collection": null, "source_entry": null, "account": "The OECD AI Incidents entry says that Israel “deployed its AI-powered Iron Beam laser defense system for the first time in combat to intercept Hezbollah missile barrages”. It separately bundles a Hankyoreh item (dated 10 October 2023) on Hamas rockets penetrating Iron Dome. The Iron Beam claim rests on social-media footage from Monday 2 March 2026, not 28 February. Ynet (Yair Kraus) reports that the footage “appeared to show the first operational use” of the system. It was delivered to the Israeli Air Force in late December 2025. Hezbollah fired rockets and drones from Lebanon after the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, with one drone intercepted near Shlomi. The Jerusalem Post (Seth Frantzman, 2 March 2026) says that the circulated video “did not show lasers intercepting rockets”. TimesNow (2 March 2026) says that whether this was Iron Beam's first combat use “awaits official confirmation”. Army Recognition (3 March 2026) says that officials “have not formally confirmed the specific engagements” and that no authoritative combat log names the system. The Conversation (4 March 2026) calls the reports unconfirmed. Moneycontrol (3 March 2026) sources its “first-ever use” to an “Israel War Room” social-media video. The Times of Israel reports the Defense Ministry's handover of the first operational system on 28 December 2025, after tests against rockets, mortars and drones. Times of Israel/AFP (16 March 2026) reports that the IDF “has so far refused to comment on its use during the ongoing war”. Times of Israel (Stav Levaton, 27 March 2026) reports that “military officials said it has not yet been declared operational within the IDF”. Times of Israel (Emanuel Fabian, 30 June 2026) reports that the one deployed system “has seen limited use and has not yet been declared operational within the IDF”. A senior officer called its coverage partial. The only confirmed laser combat use is aggregate and earlier. A lower-powered, shorter-range variant shot down some 35 drones from Lebanon in 2024 (Times of Israel/AFP). The Ministry of Defense announced it in May 2025 (JPost). The MoD said that no Iron Beam components were involved (Wikipedia). No cited source describes Iron Beam as an AI system. The only AI mention found is Rafael's CEO framing machine learning as a future capability (Breaking Defense, 22 October 2025). That piece is not among the sources. Metro, Economic Times, MoneyControl's second item, Hankyoreh and others among the Monitor's 20 listed sources are syndications or explainers.", "category": "harm prevented", "unexpected": false, "purpose": "Iron Beam is a high-energy laser built to intercept rockets, mortars and drones at short range. It is a low-cost complement to Iron Dome, David's Sling and Arrow. Interception of Hezbollah projectiles is its stated purpose.", "system": "Iron Beam ('Or Eitan') 100 kW-class high-energy laser air-defense system by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, with beam director and electro-optical targeting; the Monitor calls it 'AI-enabled', which no cited source supports", "model_version": null, "developer": "Rafael Advanced Defense Systems with the Israel Ministry of Defense (Lockheed Martin collaboration for the US market, per Wikipedia)", "deployer": "Israeli Air Force air-defense array; first operational system delivered 28 December 2025", "location": "Northern Israel near the Lebanese border (Shlomi area reported), Israel", "domain": "Defense: air defense", "segment": "Directed-energy interception of rockets, mortars and drones", "benefit_type": "Reduced Violence", "taxonomy_note": "An intercepted drone or rockets are read as a physically harmful incident averted; no defense type exists.", "registry_ids": { "oecd_aim": "2026-02-28-d62f" }, "ratings": [ { "group": "societal", "depth": null, "reason": "Ynet reports that one drone was intercepted and no injuries occurred in the 2 March 2026 launches. No official source attributes any interception to Iron Beam." }, { "group": "organizational", "depth": null, "reason": "The IDF has not confirmed use. Officials told Times of Israel that the one deployed system had limited use and partial coverage. It had no operational declaration as of June 2026." } ], "ai_role": { "status": "unassessed", "statement": "No cited source describes Iron Beam as an AI or machine-learning system. Those sources are Ynet, JPost, Army Recognition, TimesNow, The Conversation and Moneycontrol. They also include Times of Israel 28 December 2025, 16 Mar, 27 Mar and 30 June 2026, and Wikipedia. They describe a high-power laser with a beam director and electro-optical targeting. The Monitor's “AI-enabled” label is its own. Rafael's CEO described machine learning as a future capability (Breaking Defense, 22 October 2025). The IDF has not confirmed the engagement itself, so neither an AI role nor a contribution can be assessed." }, "evidence": [ { "kind": "registry label", "citation": "OECD AI Incidents and Hazards Monitor, record 2026-02-28-d62f, 'AI-Enabled Iron Beam and Iron Dome Systems Deployed in Israeli Defense' (AI-generated summary).", "title": "AI-Enabled Iron Beam and Iron Dome Systems Deployed in Israeli Defense", "url": "https://oecd.ai/en/incidents/2026-02-28-d62f", "date": "2026-02-28", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "Israel deployed its AI-powered Iron Beam laser defense system for the first time in combat to intercept Hezbollah missile barrages" }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "Ynetnews (Yair Kraus), 2 March 2026, 'Video appears to show first combat use of Israel's Iron Beam laser defense system'.", "title": "Video appears to show first combat use of Israel’s Iron Beam laser defense system", "url": "https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h13axdmfwx", "date": "2026-03-02", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "Footage circulating on social media early Monday appeared to show the first operational use of the new Iron Beam laser air defense system" }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Jerusalem Post (Seth J. Frantzman), 2 March 2026, 'Israel's Iron Beam laser: What can it do, and was it used against missiles from Lebanon? - analysis'.", "title": "Israel’s Iron Beam laser: What can it do, and was it used against missiles from Lebanon? - analysis", "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-888515", "date": "2026-03-02", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "The video did not show lasers intercepting rockets, but the mass interest in the new technology is clear." }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "Army Recognition, 3 March 2026, 'Israel's Iron Beam Laser Linked to First Combat Intercepts of Hezbollah Rockets in Lebanon'.", "title": "Israel’s Iron Beam Laser Linked to First Combat Intercepts of Hezbollah Rockets in Lebanon", "url": "https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2026/israels-iron-beam-laser-linked-to-first-combat-intercepts-of-hezbollah-rockets-in-lebanon", "date": "2026-03-03", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "Israeli authorities have not released an authoritative combat log explicitly naming the system." }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "Times Now, 2 March 2026, 'Did Israel Debut Their Iron Beam Defence System to Intercept Missiles Fired by Hezbollah? What We Know So Far'.", "title": "Did Israel Debut Their Iron Beam Defence System to Intercept Missiles Fired by Hezbollah? What We Know So Far", "url": "https://www.timesnownews.com/world/middle-east/did-israel-debut-their-iron-beam-defence-system-to-intercept-missiles-fired-by-hezbollah-what-we-know-so-far-article-153731169", "date": "2026-03-02", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "Whether this constitutes Iron Beam’s definitive first combat use awaits official confirmation." }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Conversation, 4 March 2026, 'Israel's 'Iron Beam': why laser weapons are no longer science fiction'.", "title": "Israel’s ‘Iron Beam’: why laser weapons are no longer science fiction", "url": "http://theconversation.com/israels-iron-beam-why-laser-weapons-are-no-longer-science-fiction-277390", "date": "2026-03-04", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "While the reports are unconfirmed, video circulating on social media appears to show rockets being destroyed within moments of launching without visible intervention" }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Times of Israel (Stav Levaton and Emanuel Fabian), 28 December 2025, 'Defense Ministry hands IDF first combat-ready Iron Beam laser interception system'.", "title": "Defense Ministry hands IDF first combat-ready Iron Beam laser interception system", "url": "https://www.timesofisrael.com/defense-ministry-hands-idf-first-combat-ready-iron-beam-laser-interception-system/", "date": "2025-12-28", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "has successfully intercepted rockets, mortar shells and drones during extensive testing" }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Times of Israel / AFP, 16 March 2026, 'Surge in drone attacks sharpens focus on laser defense'.", "title": "Surge in drone attacks sharpens focus on laser defense", "url": "https://www.timesofisrael.com/surge-in-drone-attacks-sharpens-focus-on-laser-defense/", "date": "2026-03-16", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "The IDF received the system in December, but has so far refused to comment on its use during the ongoing war with Iran and its Lebanese terror proxy Hezbollah." }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Times of Israel (Stav Levaton), 27 March 2026, 'Cheap and elusive drones put incessant pressure on Israel's evolving air defenses'.", "title": "Cheap and elusive drones put incessant pressure on Israel’s evolving air defenses", "url": "https://www.timesofisrael.com/cheap-and-elusive-drones-put-incessant-pressure-on-israels-evolving-air-defenses/", "date": "2026-03-27", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "While the Defense Ministry said the system became operational in late 2025, military officials said it has not yet been declared operational within the IDF." }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Times of Israel (Emanuel Fabian), 30 June 2026, 'Iron Dome air defenses upgraded, 'incorporating lessons learned' from Iran war'.", "title": "Iron Dome air defenses upgraded, ‘incorporating lessons learned’ from Iran war", "url": "https://www.timesofisrael.com/iron-dome-air-defenses-upgraded-incorporating-lessons-learned-from-iran-war/", "date": "2026-06-30", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "But while the military has deployed one Iron Beam system, it has seen limited use and has not yet been declared operational within the IDF." }, { "kind": "other", "citation": "Wikipedia, 'Iron Beam', accessed 20 October 2026 (on Rafael's 28 May 2025 announcement of 2024 laser interceptions).", "title": "Iron Beam", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Beam", "date": null, "written_by": "independent", "quote": "MOD said that no Iron Beam components were involved" }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "Hankyoreh (English edition), 10 October 2023, '$600 rockets shatter Israel's Iron Dome - will Seoul's skies be safe?' (the Monitor's bundled Iron Dome item; it predates and does not concern Iron Beam).", "title": "$600 rockets shatter Israel’s Iron Dome – will Seoul’s skies be safe?", "url": "https://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/1111552.html", "date": "2023-10-10", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "Many of the rockets fired by Hamas penetrated Israel’s low-altitude air defense system, known as the Iron Dome, and struck Israel." } ], "replication": { "produced_by": [ "A ground-based high-energy laser that holds its beam on a short-range target within line of sight until it is destroyed. JPost describes the terrain, weather and dwell-time limits", "Integration into the Israeli Air Force's layered air-defense array as a complement to Iron Dome" ], "must_hold": [ "IDF confirmation that Iron Beam, not Iron Dome, other interceptors or counter-UAS effects, made the 2 March 2026 interception", "Line of sight and clear weather. A senior officer said in May 2026 that the system's coverage is partial and that at least 14 batteries are sought" ], "echoes": [ { "date": null, "setting": "2024 conflict with Hezbollah, northern Israel: a lower-powered, shorter-range laser variant shot down some 35 drones (Times of Israel/AFP), announced by the Ministry of Defense in May 2025 (JPost); the MoD said no Iron Beam components were involved (Wikipedia)", "model_version": "lower-powered variant (Lite Beam or Iron Beam-M, per Wikipedia's account of Israeli media)", "outcome": "recurred", "source": "https://www.timesofisrael.com/surge-in-drone-attacks-sharpens-focus-on-laser-defense/" } ] }, "paired_incident": null, "headline": "Iron Beam may have made its first combat interception", "metric": "one drone intercepted near Shlomi", "comparator": { "against": "Iron Dome interceptor missiles", "before": "A single Iron Dome interceptor missile costs about US$50,000", "after": "each shot cost around $US3.50, and more recent estimates suggest the cost may now have fallen as low as US$2.50 per shot", "basis": "assumed", "quote": "A single Iron Dome interceptor missile costs about US$50,000 – which means the costs add up quickly when defending against large or frequent attacks. Firing the Iron Beam laser costs a lot less. In 2022, Israel’s then prime minister Naftali Bennett said each shot cost around $US3.50, and more recent estimates suggest the cost may now have fallen as low as US$2.50 per shot.", "url": "http://theconversation.com/israels-iron-beam-why-laser-weapons-are-no-longer-science-fiction-277390" }, "later": null, "value": null, "developer_country": "Israel", "deployer_country": "Israel", "unrated_because": "the IDF has not confirmed use, and no source calls it AI", "brief_notes": null, "brief": null, "revisions": [ { "date": "2026-10-20", "change": "Record drafted from the cited sources.", "source": null, "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Left not rated: the IDF has not confirmed use, and no source calls it AI.", "source": null, "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Headline reworded to state the event without naming who claims it.", "source": null, "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Title reworded to state the event without naming who claims it.", "source": null, "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Added what the benefit is measured against from the cited sources.", "source": "http://theconversation.com/israels-iron-beam-why-laser-weapons-are-no-longer-science-fiction-277390", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Benefit type set to Reduced Violence under Trustible's full taxonomy of 23 types; it was Improved Organizational Efficiency among the six first used.", "source": "https://trustible.ai/post/a-framework-for-measuring-the-benefits-of-ai/", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Country of the developer and the deployer added from the organization's own site or a registry.", "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Advanced_Defense_Systems; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli_Air_Defense_Command", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Prose pass: a rating reason, account, purpose, the replication conditions, the system's part rewritten in shorter sentences with abbreviations expanded; facts, figures and quotations unchanged.", "source": null, "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Notes about which sources could be read were reworded for readers; facts, figures and quotations unchanged.", "source": null, "editor": "AIBD" } ], "confidence": "reported", "shade": "medium", "claim_status": "Independently reported", "claim_basis": "Sources: ten independent news reports, a registry entry and one other independent source. The cited evidence includes no independent study or report and no finding by a regulator or court.", "profile": { "case_id": "AIBD-0327", "catalog_version": "1.0.0", "source_fingerprint": "cd4d27d77be41530edf2699ac8a2ccef212aaef7026277623e8af020144da5b5", "collection_refs": [ { "collection_id": "aibd", "version": "snapshot-8bf7cfec9cb185aa" }, { "collection_id": "aibd", "version": "2026-10-25" }, { "collection_id": "adyt", "version": "2026-10-25" }, { "collection_id": "chanticleer", "version": "2026-10-25" } ], "source_ids": [ "AIBD-0327-source-0001", "AIBD-0327-source-0002", "AIBD-0327-source-0003", "AIBD-0327-source-0004", "AIBD-0327-source-0005", "AIBD-0327-source-0006", "AIBD-0327-source-0007", "AIBD-0327-source-0008", "AIBD-0327-source-0009", "AIBD-0327-source-0010", "AIBD-0327-source-0011", "AIBD-0327-source-0012" ], "families": { "strategic assessments": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial", "record_ids": [] }, "evaluations": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial", "record_ids": [] }, "monetary observations": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial", "record_ids": [] }, "institutional decisions": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial", "record_ids": [] } }, "fields": { "actors[]": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "developer": "Rafael Advanced Defense Systems with the Israel Ministry of Defense (Lockheed Martin collaboration for the US market, per Wikipedia)", "deployer": "Israeli Air Force air-defense array; first operational system delivered 28 December 2025" } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "developer", "deployer" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "actors[].ownership_control": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "ai_contribution": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "ai_relationship": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "category": "harm prevented", "ai_role": { "status": "unassessed", "statement": "No cited source describes Iron Beam as an AI or machine-learning system. Those sources are Ynet, JPost, Army Recognition, TimesNow, The Conversation and Moneycontrol. They also include Times of Israel 28 December 2025, 16 Mar, 27 Mar and 30 June 2026, and Wikipedia. They describe a high-power laser with a beam director and electro-optical targeting. The Monitor's “AI-enabled” label is its own. Rafael's CEO described machine learning as a future capability (Breaking Defense, 22 October 2025). The IDF has not confirmed the engagement itself, so neither an AI role nor a contribution can be assessed." } } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "ai_role", "category" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "assessments[].alternatives": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "assessments[].assessor_date": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "assessments[].depth": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "assessments[].display_confidence": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "structured", "data": { "confidence": "medium", "evidence_word": "reported", "claim_status": "Independently reported", "basis": "Sources: ten independent news reports, a registry entry and one other independent source. 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{ "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "id": "AIBD-0327" } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "id" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "infrastructure_dependencies[]": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "outcomes[].beneficiaries": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "outcomes[].beneficiary_count": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "outcomes[].benefit_type": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "benefit_type": "Reduced Violence", "taxonomy_note": "An intercepted drone or rockets are read as a physically harmful incident averted; no defense type exists." } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "benefit_type", "taxonomy_note" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "outcomes[].claim": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "account": "The OECD AI Incidents entry says that Israel “deployed its AI-powered Iron Beam laser defense system for the first time in combat to intercept Hezbollah missile barrages”. It separately bundles a Hankyoreh item (dated 10 October 2023) on Hamas rockets penetrating Iron Dome. The Iron Beam claim rests on social-media footage from Monday 2 March 2026, not 28 February. Ynet (Yair Kraus) reports that the footage “appeared to show the first operational use” of the system. It was delivered to the Israeli Air Force in late December 2025. Hezbollah fired rockets and drones from Lebanon after the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, with one drone intercepted near Shlomi. The Jerusalem Post (Seth Frantzman, 2 March 2026) says that the circulated video “did not show lasers intercepting rockets”. TimesNow (2 March 2026) says that whether this was Iron Beam's first combat use “awaits official confirmation”. Army Recognition (3 March 2026) says that officials “have not formally confirmed the specific engagements” and that no authoritative combat log names the system. The Conversation (4 March 2026) calls the reports unconfirmed. Moneycontrol (3 March 2026) sources its “first-ever use” to an “Israel War Room” social-media video. The Times of Israel reports the Defense Ministry's handover of the first operational system on 28 December 2025, after tests against rockets, mortars and drones. Times of Israel/AFP (16 March 2026) reports that the IDF “has so far refused to comment on its use during the ongoing war”. Times of Israel (Stav Levaton, 27 March 2026) reports that “military officials said it has not yet been declared operational within the IDF”. Times of Israel (Emanuel Fabian, 30 June 2026) reports that the one deployed system “has seen limited use and has not yet been declared operational within the IDF”. A senior officer called its coverage partial. The only confirmed laser combat use is aggregate and earlier. A lower-powered, shorter-range variant shot down some 35 drones from Lebanon in 2024 (Times of Israel/AFP). The Ministry of Defense announced it in May 2025 (JPost). The MoD said that no Iron Beam components were involved (Wikipedia). No cited source describes Iron Beam as an AI system. The only AI mention found is Rafael's CEO framing machine learning as a future capability (Breaking Defense, 22 October 2025). That piece is not among the sources. Metro, Economic Times, MoneyControl's second item, Hankyoreh and others among the Monitor's 20 listed sources are syndications or explainers.", "benefit_type": "Reduced Violence" } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "account", "benefit_type" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "outcomes[].distribution": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "outcomes[].duration": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "outcomes[].id": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "outcomes[].stakeholder_group": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "ratings": [ { "group": "societal", "reason": "Ynet reports that one drone was intercepted and no injuries occurred in the 2 March 2026 launches. No official source attributes any interception to Iron Beam." }, { "group": "organizational", "reason": "The IDF has not confirmed use. Officials told Times of Israel that the one deployed system had limited use and partial coverage. It had no operational declaration as of June 2026." } ] } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "ratings" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "outcomes[].status": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "outcomes[].tradeoffs": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "outcomes[].unexpected": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "unexpected": false, "purpose": "Iron Beam is a high-energy laser built to intercept rockets, mortars and drones at short range. It is a low-cost complement to Iron Dome, David's Sling and Arrow. Interception of Hezbollah projectiles is its stated purpose." } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "unexpected", "purpose" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "places[]": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "location": "Northern Israel near the Lebanese border (Shlomi area reported), Israel", "developer_country": "Israel", "deployer_country": "Israel" } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "location", "developer_country", "deployer_country" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "purpose": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "purpose": "Iron Beam is a high-energy laser built to intercept rockets, mortars and drones at short range. It is a low-cost complement to Iron Dome, David's Sling and Arrow. Interception of Hezbollah projectiles is its stated purpose." } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "purpose" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "record_dates": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "date_observed": "2026-03-02", "revisions": [ { "date": "2026-10-20", "change": "Record drafted from the cited sources.", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Left not rated: the IDF has not confirmed use, and no source calls it AI.", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Headline reworded to state the event without naming who claims it.", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Title reworded to state the event without naming who claims it.", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Added what the benefit is measured against from the cited sources.", "source": "http://theconversation.com/israels-iron-beam-why-laser-weapons-are-no-longer-science-fiction-277390", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Benefit type set to Reduced Violence under Trustible's full taxonomy of 23 types; it was Improved Organizational Efficiency among the six first used.", "source": "https://trustible.ai/post/a-framework-for-measuring-the-benefits-of-ai/", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Country of the developer and the deployer added from the organization's own site or a registry.", "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Advanced_Defense_Systems; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli_Air_Defense_Command", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Prose pass: a rating reason, account, purpose, the replication conditions, the system's part rewritten in shorter sentences with abbreviations expanded; facts, figures and quotations unchanged.", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Notes about which sources could be read were reworded for readers; facts, figures and quotations unchanged.", "editor": "AIBD" } ] } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "date_observed", "revisions" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "replication.attempts[]": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "replication": { "produced_by": [ "A ground-based high-energy laser that holds its beam on a short-range target within line of sight until it is destroyed. JPost describes the terrain, weather and dwell-time limits", "Integration into the Israeli Air Force's layered air-defense array as a complement to Iron Dome" ], "must_hold": [ "IDF confirmation that Iron Beam, not Iron Dome, other interceptors or counter-UAS effects, made the 2 March 2026 interception", "Line of sight and clear weather. A senior officer said in May 2026 that the system's coverage is partial and that at least 14 batteries are sought" ], "echoes": [ { "setting": "2024 conflict with Hezbollah, northern Israel: a lower-powered, shorter-range laser variant shot down some 35 drones (Times of Israel/AFP), announced by the Ministry of Defense in May 2025 (JPost); the MoD said no Iron Beam components were involved (Wikipedia)", "model_version": "lower-powered variant (Lite Beam or Iron Beam-M, per Wikipedia's account of Israeli media)", "outcome": "recurred", "source": "https://www.timesofisrael.com/surge-in-drone-attacks-sharpens-focus-on-laser-defense/" } ] } } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "replication" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "replication.conditions": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "replication": { "produced_by": [ "A ground-based high-energy laser that holds its beam on a short-range target within line of sight until it is destroyed. JPost describes the terrain, weather and dwell-time limits", "Integration into the Israeli Air Force's layered air-defense array as a complement to Iron Dome" ], "must_hold": [ "IDF confirmation that Iron Beam, not Iron Dome, other interceptors or counter-UAS effects, made the 2 March 2026 interception", "Line of sight and clear weather. A senior officer said in May 2026 that the system's coverage is partial and that at least 14 batteries are sought" ], "echoes": [ { "setting": "2024 conflict with Hezbollah, northern Israel: a lower-powered, shorter-range laser variant shot down some 35 drones (Times of Israel/AFP), announced by the Ministry of Defense in May 2025 (JPost); the MoD said no Iron Beam components were involved (Wikipedia)", "model_version": "lower-powered variant (Lite Beam or Iron Beam-M, per Wikipedia's account of Israeli media)", "outcome": "recurred", "source": "https://www.timesofisrael.com/surge-in-drone-attacks-sharpens-focus-on-laser-defense/" } ] } } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "replication" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "revision_history[]": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "revisions": [ { "date": "2026-10-20", "change": "Record drafted from the cited sources.", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Left not rated: the IDF has not confirmed use, and no source calls it AI.", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Headline reworded to state the event without naming who claims it.", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Title reworded to state the event without naming who claims it.", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Added what the benefit is measured against from the cited sources.", "source": "http://theconversation.com/israels-iron-beam-why-laser-weapons-are-no-longer-science-fiction-277390", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Benefit type set to Reduced Violence under Trustible's full taxonomy of 23 types; it was Improved Organizational Efficiency among the six first used.", "source": "https://trustible.ai/post/a-framework-for-measuring-the-benefits-of-ai/", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Country of the developer and the deployer added from the organization's own site or a registry.", "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Advanced_Defense_Systems; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli_Air_Defense_Command", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Prose pass: a rating reason, account, purpose, the replication conditions, the system's part rewritten in shorter sentences with abbreviations expanded; facts, figures and quotations unchanged.", "editor": "AIBD" }, { "date": "2026-10-21", "change": "Notes about which sources could be read were reworded for readers; facts, figures and quotations unchanged.", "editor": "AIBD" } ] } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "revisions" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "sector": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "domain": "Defense: air defense", "segment": "Directed-energy interception of rockets, mortars and drones" } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "domain", "segment" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "sources[].access_version": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "sources[].citation_locator": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "evidence": [ { "kind": "registry label", "citation": "OECD AI Incidents and Hazards Monitor, record 2026-02-28-d62f, 'AI-Enabled Iron Beam and Iron Dome Systems Deployed in Israeli Defense' (AI-generated summary).", "title": "AI-Enabled Iron Beam and Iron Dome Systems Deployed in Israeli Defense", "url": "https://oecd.ai/en/incidents/2026-02-28-d62f", "date": "2026-02-28", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "Israel deployed its AI-powered Iron Beam laser defense system for the first time in combat to intercept Hezbollah missile barrages" }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "Ynetnews (Yair Kraus), 2 March 2026, 'Video appears to show first combat use of Israel's Iron Beam laser defense system'.", "title": "Video appears to show first combat use of Israel’s Iron Beam laser defense system", "url": "https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h13axdmfwx", "date": "2026-03-02", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "Footage circulating on social media early Monday appeared to show the first operational use of the new Iron Beam laser air defense system" }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Jerusalem Post (Seth J. Frantzman), 2 March 2026, 'Israel's Iron Beam laser: What can it do, and was it used against missiles from Lebanon? - analysis'.", "title": "Israel’s Iron Beam laser: What can it do, and was it used against missiles from Lebanon? - analysis", "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-888515", "date": "2026-03-02", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "The video did not show lasers intercepting rockets, but the mass interest in the new technology is clear." }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "Army Recognition, 3 March 2026, 'Israel's Iron Beam Laser Linked to First Combat Intercepts of Hezbollah Rockets in Lebanon'.", "title": "Israel’s Iron Beam Laser Linked to First Combat Intercepts of Hezbollah Rockets in Lebanon", "url": "https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2026/israels-iron-beam-laser-linked-to-first-combat-intercepts-of-hezbollah-rockets-in-lebanon", "date": "2026-03-03", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "Israeli authorities have not released an authoritative combat log explicitly naming the system." }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "Times Now, 2 March 2026, 'Did Israel Debut Their Iron Beam Defence System to Intercept Missiles Fired by Hezbollah? What We Know So Far'.", "title": "Did Israel Debut Their Iron Beam Defence System to Intercept Missiles Fired by Hezbollah? What We Know So Far", "url": "https://www.timesnownews.com/world/middle-east/did-israel-debut-their-iron-beam-defence-system-to-intercept-missiles-fired-by-hezbollah-what-we-know-so-far-article-153731169", "date": "2026-03-02", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "Whether this constitutes Iron Beam’s definitive first combat use awaits official confirmation." }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Conversation, 4 March 2026, 'Israel's 'Iron Beam': why laser weapons are no longer science fiction'.", "title": "Israel’s ‘Iron Beam’: why laser weapons are no longer science fiction", "url": "http://theconversation.com/israels-iron-beam-why-laser-weapons-are-no-longer-science-fiction-277390", "date": "2026-03-04", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "While the reports are unconfirmed, video circulating on social media appears to show rockets being destroyed within moments of launching without visible intervention" }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Times of Israel (Stav Levaton and Emanuel Fabian), 28 December 2025, 'Defense Ministry hands IDF first combat-ready Iron Beam laser interception system'.", "title": "Defense Ministry hands IDF first combat-ready Iron Beam laser interception system", "url": "https://www.timesofisrael.com/defense-ministry-hands-idf-first-combat-ready-iron-beam-laser-interception-system/", "date": "2025-12-28", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "has successfully intercepted rockets, mortar shells and drones during extensive testing" }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Times of Israel / AFP, 16 March 2026, 'Surge in drone attacks sharpens focus on laser defense'.", "title": "Surge in drone attacks sharpens focus on laser defense", "url": "https://www.timesofisrael.com/surge-in-drone-attacks-sharpens-focus-on-laser-defense/", "date": "2026-03-16", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "The IDF received the system in December, but has so far refused to comment on its use during the ongoing war with Iran and its Lebanese terror proxy Hezbollah." }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Times of Israel (Stav Levaton), 27 March 2026, 'Cheap and elusive drones put incessant pressure on Israel's evolving air defenses'.", "title": "Cheap and elusive drones put incessant pressure on Israel’s evolving air defenses", "url": "https://www.timesofisrael.com/cheap-and-elusive-drones-put-incessant-pressure-on-israels-evolving-air-defenses/", "date": "2026-03-27", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "While the Defense Ministry said the system became operational in late 2025, military officials said it has not yet been declared operational within the IDF." }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Times of Israel (Emanuel Fabian), 30 June 2026, 'Iron Dome air defenses upgraded, 'incorporating lessons learned' from Iran war'.", "title": "Iron Dome air defenses upgraded, ‘incorporating lessons learned’ from Iran war", "url": "https://www.timesofisrael.com/iron-dome-air-defenses-upgraded-incorporating-lessons-learned-from-iran-war/", "date": "2026-06-30", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "But while the military has deployed one Iron Beam system, it has seen limited use and has not yet been declared operational within the IDF." }, { "kind": "other", "citation": "Wikipedia, 'Iron Beam', accessed 20 October 2026 (on Rafael's 28 May 2025 announcement of 2024 laser interceptions).", "title": "Iron Beam", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Beam", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "MOD said that no Iron Beam components were involved" }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "Hankyoreh (English edition), 10 October 2023, '$600 rockets shatter Israel's Iron Dome - will Seoul's skies be safe?' (the Monitor's bundled Iron Dome item; it predates and does not concern Iron Beam).", "title": "$600 rockets shatter Israel’s Iron Dome – will Seoul’s skies be safe?", "url": "https://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/1111552.html", "date": "2023-10-10", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "Many of the rockets fired by Hamas penetrated Israel’s low-altitude air defense system, known as the Iron Dome, and struck Israel." } ] } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "evidence" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "sources[].id": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "identifiers", "identifiers": [ "AIBD-0327-source-0001", "AIBD-0327-source-0002", "AIBD-0327-source-0003", "AIBD-0327-source-0004", "AIBD-0327-source-0005", "AIBD-0327-source-0006", "AIBD-0327-source-0007", "AIBD-0327-source-0008", "AIBD-0327-source-0009", "AIBD-0327-source-0010", "AIBD-0327-source-0011", "AIBD-0327-source-0012" ], "role": "Existing evidence items, in their original order" }, "provenance": { "kind": "curatorial", "basis": "Stable within the fingerprinted record version; no source content or source review has been added.", "record_fields": [], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "complete" }, "sources[].language": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "sources[].relationship": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "evidence": [ { "kind": "registry label", "citation": "OECD AI Incidents and Hazards Monitor, record 2026-02-28-d62f, 'AI-Enabled Iron Beam and Iron Dome Systems Deployed in Israeli Defense' (AI-generated summary).", "title": "AI-Enabled Iron Beam and Iron Dome Systems Deployed in Israeli Defense", "url": "https://oecd.ai/en/incidents/2026-02-28-d62f", "date": "2026-02-28", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "Israel deployed its AI-powered Iron Beam laser defense system for the first time in combat to intercept Hezbollah missile barrages" }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "Ynetnews (Yair Kraus), 2 March 2026, 'Video appears to show first combat use of Israel's Iron Beam laser defense system'.", "title": "Video appears to show first combat use of Israel’s Iron Beam laser defense system", "url": "https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h13axdmfwx", "date": "2026-03-02", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "Footage circulating on social media early Monday appeared to show the first operational use of the new Iron Beam laser air defense system" }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Jerusalem Post (Seth J. Frantzman), 2 March 2026, 'Israel's Iron Beam laser: What can it do, and was it used against missiles from Lebanon? - analysis'.", "title": "Israel’s Iron Beam laser: What can it do, and was it used against missiles from Lebanon? - analysis", "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-888515", "date": "2026-03-02", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "The video did not show lasers intercepting rockets, but the mass interest in the new technology is clear." }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "Army Recognition, 3 March 2026, 'Israel's Iron Beam Laser Linked to First Combat Intercepts of Hezbollah Rockets in Lebanon'.", "title": "Israel’s Iron Beam Laser Linked to First Combat Intercepts of Hezbollah Rockets in Lebanon", "url": "https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2026/israels-iron-beam-laser-linked-to-first-combat-intercepts-of-hezbollah-rockets-in-lebanon", "date": "2026-03-03", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "Israeli authorities have not released an authoritative combat log explicitly naming the system." }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "Times Now, 2 March 2026, 'Did Israel Debut Their Iron Beam Defence System to Intercept Missiles Fired by Hezbollah? What We Know So Far'.", "title": "Did Israel Debut Their Iron Beam Defence System to Intercept Missiles Fired by Hezbollah? What We Know So Far", "url": "https://www.timesnownews.com/world/middle-east/did-israel-debut-their-iron-beam-defence-system-to-intercept-missiles-fired-by-hezbollah-what-we-know-so-far-article-153731169", "date": "2026-03-02", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "Whether this constitutes Iron Beam’s definitive first combat use awaits official confirmation." }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Conversation, 4 March 2026, 'Israel's 'Iron Beam': why laser weapons are no longer science fiction'.", "title": "Israel’s ‘Iron Beam’: why laser weapons are no longer science fiction", "url": "http://theconversation.com/israels-iron-beam-why-laser-weapons-are-no-longer-science-fiction-277390", "date": "2026-03-04", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "While the reports are unconfirmed, video circulating on social media appears to show rockets being destroyed within moments of launching without visible intervention" }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Times of Israel (Stav Levaton and Emanuel Fabian), 28 December 2025, 'Defense Ministry hands IDF first combat-ready Iron Beam laser interception system'.", "title": "Defense Ministry hands IDF first combat-ready Iron Beam laser interception system", "url": "https://www.timesofisrael.com/defense-ministry-hands-idf-first-combat-ready-iron-beam-laser-interception-system/", "date": "2025-12-28", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "has successfully intercepted rockets, mortar shells and drones during extensive testing" }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Times of Israel / AFP, 16 March 2026, 'Surge in drone attacks sharpens focus on laser defense'.", "title": "Surge in drone attacks sharpens focus on laser defense", "url": "https://www.timesofisrael.com/surge-in-drone-attacks-sharpens-focus-on-laser-defense/", "date": "2026-03-16", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "The IDF received the system in December, but has so far refused to comment on its use during the ongoing war with Iran and its Lebanese terror proxy Hezbollah." }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Times of Israel (Stav Levaton), 27 March 2026, 'Cheap and elusive drones put incessant pressure on Israel's evolving air defenses'.", "title": "Cheap and elusive drones put incessant pressure on Israel’s evolving air defenses", "url": "https://www.timesofisrael.com/cheap-and-elusive-drones-put-incessant-pressure-on-israels-evolving-air-defenses/", "date": "2026-03-27", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "While the Defense Ministry said the system became operational in late 2025, military officials said it has not yet been declared operational within the IDF." }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "The Times of Israel (Emanuel Fabian), 30 June 2026, 'Iron Dome air defenses upgraded, 'incorporating lessons learned' from Iran war'.", "title": "Iron Dome air defenses upgraded, ‘incorporating lessons learned’ from Iran war", "url": "https://www.timesofisrael.com/iron-dome-air-defenses-upgraded-incorporating-lessons-learned-from-iran-war/", "date": "2026-06-30", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "But while the military has deployed one Iron Beam system, it has seen limited use and has not yet been declared operational within the IDF." }, { "kind": "other", "citation": "Wikipedia, 'Iron Beam', accessed 20 October 2026 (on Rafael's 28 May 2025 announcement of 2024 laser interceptions).", "title": "Iron Beam", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Beam", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "MOD said that no Iron Beam components were involved" }, { "kind": "news report", "citation": "Hankyoreh (English edition), 10 October 2023, '$600 rockets shatter Israel's Iron Dome - will Seoul's skies be safe?' (the Monitor's bundled Iron Dome item; it predates and does not concern Iron Beam).", "title": "$600 rockets shatter Israel’s Iron Dome – will Seoul’s skies be safe?", "url": "https://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/1111552.html", "date": "2023-10-10", "written_by": "independent", "quote": "Many of the rockets fired by Hamas penetrated Israel’s low-altitude air defense system, known as the Iron Dome, and struck Israel." } ] } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "evidence" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "sources[].upstream_sources": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "strategic_assessments[]": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial", "family": "strategic assessments" }, "summary": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "summary": "Ynet and JPost (2 March 2026) call the video unconfirmed; Times of Israel (27 Mar, 30 June 2026) quotes officials that Iron Beam “has not yet been declared operational”. No cited source calls it AI.", "account": "The OECD AI Incidents entry says that Israel “deployed its AI-powered Iron Beam laser defense system for the first time in combat to intercept Hezbollah missile barrages”. It separately bundles a Hankyoreh item (dated 10 October 2023) on Hamas rockets penetrating Iron Dome. The Iron Beam claim rests on social-media footage from Monday 2 March 2026, not 28 February. Ynet (Yair Kraus) reports that the footage “appeared to show the first operational use” of the system. It was delivered to the Israeli Air Force in late December 2025. Hezbollah fired rockets and drones from Lebanon after the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, with one drone intercepted near Shlomi. The Jerusalem Post (Seth Frantzman, 2 March 2026) says that the circulated video “did not show lasers intercepting rockets”. TimesNow (2 March 2026) says that whether this was Iron Beam's first combat use “awaits official confirmation”. Army Recognition (3 March 2026) says that officials “have not formally confirmed the specific engagements” and that no authoritative combat log names the system. The Conversation (4 March 2026) calls the reports unconfirmed. Moneycontrol (3 March 2026) sources its “first-ever use” to an “Israel War Room” social-media video. The Times of Israel reports the Defense Ministry's handover of the first operational system on 28 December 2025, after tests against rockets, mortars and drones. Times of Israel/AFP (16 March 2026) reports that the IDF “has so far refused to comment on its use during the ongoing war”. Times of Israel (Stav Levaton, 27 March 2026) reports that “military officials said it has not yet been declared operational within the IDF”. Times of Israel (Emanuel Fabian, 30 June 2026) reports that the one deployed system “has seen limited use and has not yet been declared operational within the IDF”. A senior officer called its coverage partial. The only confirmed laser combat use is aggregate and earlier. A lower-powered, shorter-range variant shot down some 35 drones from Lebanon in 2024 (Times of Israel/AFP). The Ministry of Defense announced it in May 2025 (JPost). The MoD said that no Iron Beam components were involved (Wikipedia). No cited source describes Iron Beam as an AI system. The only AI mention found is Rafael's CEO framing machine learning as a future capability (Breaking Defense, 22 October 2025). That piece is not among the sources. Metro, Economic Times, MoneyControl's second item, Hankyoreh and others among the Monitor's 20 listed sources are syndications or explainers." } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "summary", "account" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "systems[].autonomy_permissions": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "systems[].component_role": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "systems[].deployment_configuration": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "systems[].inputs_outputs": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "systems[].model_name": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "systems[].model_version": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "systems[].product_name": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "system": "Iron Beam ('Or Eitan') 100 kW-class high-energy laser air-defense system by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, with beam director and electro-optical targeting; the Monitor calls it 'AI-enabled', which no cited source supports" } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "system" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "systems[].provider": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "structured", "data": { "application_developer": "Rafael Advanced Defense Systems with the Israel Ministry of Defense (Lockheed Martin collaboration for the US market, per Wikipedia)" } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Mapped from the existing case description without a new external source review.", "record_fields": [ "developer" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "taxonomy_crosswalks[]": { "state": "not_assessed", "review_state": "not_assessed", "coverage": "partial" }, "title": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "title": "Israel's Iron Beam laser may have made its first combat interception, of a Hezbollah drone, in footage of 2 March 2026", "headline": "Iron Beam may have made its first combat interception" } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "title", "headline" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" }, "version": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "identifiers", "identifiers": [ "cd4d27d77be41530edf2699ac8a2ccef212aaef7026277623e8af020144da5b5" ], "role": "SHA-256 of normalized original case data" }, "provenance": { "kind": "curatorial", "basis": "Deterministic content version assigned by the local migration.", "record_fields": [], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "complete" }, "workflow": { "state": "value_present", "value": { "kind": "record_fields", "fields": { "account": "The OECD AI Incidents entry says that Israel “deployed its AI-powered Iron Beam laser defense system for the first time in combat to intercept Hezbollah missile barrages”. It separately bundles a Hankyoreh item (dated 10 October 2023) on Hamas rockets penetrating Iron Dome. The Iron Beam claim rests on social-media footage from Monday 2 March 2026, not 28 February. Ynet (Yair Kraus) reports that the footage “appeared to show the first operational use” of the system. It was delivered to the Israeli Air Force in late December 2025. Hezbollah fired rockets and drones from Lebanon after the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, with one drone intercepted near Shlomi. The Jerusalem Post (Seth Frantzman, 2 March 2026) says that the circulated video “did not show lasers intercepting rockets”. TimesNow (2 March 2026) says that whether this was Iron Beam's first combat use “awaits official confirmation”. Army Recognition (3 March 2026) says that officials “have not formally confirmed the specific engagements” and that no authoritative combat log names the system. The Conversation (4 March 2026) calls the reports unconfirmed. Moneycontrol (3 March 2026) sources its “first-ever use” to an “Israel War Room” social-media video. The Times of Israel reports the Defense Ministry's handover of the first operational system on 28 December 2025, after tests against rockets, mortars and drones. Times of Israel/AFP (16 March 2026) reports that the IDF “has so far refused to comment on its use during the ongoing war”. Times of Israel (Stav Levaton, 27 March 2026) reports that “military officials said it has not yet been declared operational within the IDF”. Times of Israel (Emanuel Fabian, 30 June 2026) reports that the one deployed system “has seen limited use and has not yet been declared operational within the IDF”. A senior officer called its coverage partial. The only confirmed laser combat use is aggregate and earlier. A lower-powered, shorter-range variant shot down some 35 drones from Lebanon in 2024 (Times of Israel/AFP). The Ministry of Defense announced it in May 2025 (JPost). The MoD said that no Iron Beam components were involved (Wikipedia). No cited source describes Iron Beam as an AI system. The only AI mention found is Rafael's CEO framing machine learning as a future capability (Breaking Defense, 22 October 2025). That piece is not among the sources. Metro, Economic Times, MoneyControl's second item, Hankyoreh and others among the Monitor's 20 listed sources are syndications or explainers.", "replication": { "produced_by": [ "A ground-based high-energy laser that holds its beam on a short-range target within line of sight until it is destroyed. JPost describes the terrain, weather and dwell-time limits", "Integration into the Israeli Air Force's layered air-defense array as a complement to Iron Dome" ], "must_hold": [ "IDF confirmation that Iron Beam, not Iron Dome, other interceptors or counter-UAS effects, made the 2 March 2026 interception", "Line of sight and clear weather. A senior officer said in May 2026 that the system's coverage is partial and that at least 14 batteries are sought" ], "echoes": [ { "setting": "2024 conflict with Hezbollah, northern Israel: a lower-powered, shorter-range laser variant shot down some 35 drones (Times of Israel/AFP), announced by the Ministry of Defense in May 2025 (JPost); the MoD said no Iron Beam components were involved (Wikipedia)", "model_version": "lower-powered variant (Lite Beam or Iron Beam-M, per Wikipedia's account of Israeli media)", "outcome": "recurred", "source": "https://www.timesofisrael.com/surge-in-drone-attacks-sharpens-focus-on-laser-defense/" } ] } } }, "provenance": { "kind": "legacy_record", "basis": "Preserved from the existing AIBD record; external sources were not rechecked.", "record_fields": [ "account", "replication" ], "source_refs": [] }, "review_state": "record_mapped", "coverage": "partial" } }, "summary": { "total": 91, "addressed": 91, "known": 27, "reviewed": 0, "record_mapped": 27, "not_assessed": 64, "complete": false, "by_state": { "value_present": 27, "not_reported": 0, "unresolved": 0, "not_assessed": 64, "not_applicable": 0, "withheld": 0, "source_unavailable": 0 } } } }