India Eyes Iron Beam: Modi's Israel Visit Boosts Defence Ties

• PM Modi's Israel visit focuses on broadening cooperation in security, trade, and advanced technologies, including defence.
• India is overhauling its air defence with a layered 'Sudarshan Chakra' system, integrating long-range S-400 and indigenous Project Kusha.
• Israel's laser-based Iron Beam, developed by Rafael, is being evaluated as a cost-effective solution for low-cost, high-volume threats like drones and rockets.
• Iron Beam uses high-power fibre lasers to neutralize targets within seconds, with an estimated operating cost as low as $3-5 per interception.
• The potential integration of Iron Beam would complement India's indigenous DURGA-II program and strengthen the strategic defence partnership with Israel.