The Israeli Defence Ministry said that it has signed a 2-billion-shekel ($537 million) deal to expand the production of the Iron Beam laser interception system, which is expected to join Israel’s air defence array in about a year.

The agreement was signed on Monday with two Israeli defence technology companies — the system’s main developer, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Elbit Systems, said the ministry in a statement.

Iron Beam is a laser system for air defences from the ground against aerial threats from rockets, mortar bombs, drones, cruise missiles,