Another Success for the David’s Sling Missile Defense System

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The David’s Sling missile defense system completed another successful test this morning.

The previous test was conducted last year, and the two successes bring the system closer to operation status. The David’s Sling system is developed by Rafael, in cooperation with the U.S. company Raytheon.

The system’s interceptor missiles have a very long range thanks to their engines, which turn off and back on three times during their time in the air. The system radar is similar to the advanced radar of the fifth “Iron Dome” battery, the MMR – multi-mission radar. The radar has already successfully detected long-range rockets during operation Pillar of Defense, as a part of the Iron Dome batteries which intercepted three long-range rockets launched at the central Dan area of Israel. A senior Defense Ministry official said that during the test “the target was acquired, leading to the launch of an interceptor and resulting in a direct hit.”

iHLS – Israel Homeland Security

According to Defense Ministry and IDF plans, the David’s Sling system will defend against medium-range rockets, filling a gap between the Iron Dome – which can intercept rockets at a maximum range of 75 km – and the Arrow – which intercepts long range ballistic missiles above the atmosphere. In the future David’s Sling could also be used to intercept unmanned aerial vehicles. According to current assessments the system will become operational in early 2015.