The Israeli state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd has unveiled laser interceptor system known as “Iron Beam”. The Iron Beam is expected to be deployed with the Israel Defense Forces in 2015, the system is designed to destroy short-range rockets, artillery, and mortars at ranges of up to 7 km (4.5 miles). Given reality on the ground it’s most likely that the Iron Beam will become the first high energy laser system tested in real combat conditions. Defense exports are a key industry for Israel worth more than $6 billion annually. A market study forecasts the Israeli high-energy laser systems to capture a significant market share in emerging military high energy laser market.