On December 29, 2025, Israel’s Ministry of Defense announced the operational status of the Iron Beam high-energy laser air defense system and the induction of the SIGMA 155 self-propelled howitzer, known as Ro’em, into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The Iron Beam, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, effectively neutralizes aerial threats such as rockets and drones using a 100-kilowatt beam, significantly enhancing Israel’s multi-layered defense architecture alongside existing systems like Iron Dome and David’s Sling. The SIGMA howitzer, designed by Elbit Systems, features a modular 155mm cannon with a 40-kilometer range, enabling greater artillery precision and mobility with minimal crew requirements. From an Indian strategic perspective, these advancements in directed-energy and autonomous weapon systems highlight the need for India to bolster its own defense capabilities against similar threats from regional adversaries, thereby underscoring potential avenues for collaboration with Israel in defense technology and military modernization to enhance national security.