A big potential market for Israeli air defense systems

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The selection of the U.S. made Patriot missiles system by the Polish army has not closed the lead on this big potential market.

The Polish government is still facing a dilemma that has a shape of many billions of dollars – the selection of an air defense system that will best answer the country’s operational needs namely intercepting rockets and aircraft.

Israeli sources told i-HLS that the selection of the Patriot has not satisfied the operational needs of the Polish experts.

The Polish press claimed that selecting the Patriot 3 variant has also an advantage as it strengthens the ties with the U.S. This in addition to the fact that the system is already in use worldwide, including Europe.

But it now seems that the Israeli developed “David’s Sling” system may get back into the competition. This very advanced intercept system is being developed by Rafael in cooperation with Raytheon.

“David’s Sling”, which is considered to be the “bigger brother” of the Rafael’s “Iron Dome” that achieved a 90% intercept rate of rockets launched from Gaza during “protective Edge” operation last summer.

“David’s Sling” features unique capabilities that the Polish defense ministry wants. The Polish army wants more layers of air defense systems and that opens the market for other Israeli developed system like the Rafael “Spyder” that uses two air- air missiles – the “Python-5” and the “Derby” in a short range air defense role.