Iron Beam: Is Israel field testing its new laser-based missile defence system amid ongoing rocket attacks from Hamas, Hezbollah?

NEW DELHI: Several videos have gone viral purportedly showing Israel testing out its new laser-based 'Iron Beam' missile defence system amid continued rocket attacks from Hamas and Lebanon-based Hezbollah.

Since the October 7 attack by Hamas, Israel has been highly dependent on its Iron Dome defence system to keep its cities safe from rocket attacks.The system, however, requires a steady supply of very expensive interceptor missiles.
Amid worries that missile stockpiles could run low, there are now reports that Israel is testing out a new laser-based missile defence system.
All you need to know about the Iron Beam:

Still in development?
The authenticity of the videos is still under question as in October 2022 Rafael said it expects to take "two to three years" to deploy the 100+kW weapon operationally.
As of 2016, Iron Beam had been funded mainly by the Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD), with Rafael pursuing increasing the range of the system and partnering with other companies to further develop the prototype.
Rafael has been developing laser technology for 20 years, but it is only in the last two years that the company has nailed down how to keep the beam focused enough so it can neutralize threats at great distances.
In April 2022, the Israeli MoD and Rafael announced that in a series of experiments the system successfully shot down drones, rockets, mortar bombs, and anti-tank missiles. The military pushed for an earlier deployment, possibly due to concerns that there would not be sufficient Iron Dome projectiles to combat attacks.
However, in October 2022 Rafael said it expects to take "two to three years" to deploy the 100+kW weapon operationally.
In May 2023, Rafael unveiled the Naval Iron Beam meant for installation on ships. The system is designed to emit 100 kW out to "several kilometers" to protect vessels against drone swarms and anti-ship missiles.
The Naval Iron Beam is planned to be operational within 4-5 years and first be fitted to the Israeli Navy's Reshef-class corvette.