Israel successfully completes testing of the “Sling of David” missile shield, jointly developed with the U.S., which could be operational in 2014
Israel and the United States have successfully completed the second series of tests of the anti-missile system known as “David’s Sling”. As confirmed by the Israeli Defense Ministry, the test with this system, which is capable of detecting and intercepting medium-range missiles, took place recently in southern Israel. The tests were carried out by the Israel Defense Missile Organization and the U.S. Missile Agency (MDA) and involved the launch of a missile from the Israeli Negev desert, which was intercepted by a radar of the Hebrew company Elta. After tracking, a Stunner missile (developed by Rafael and Raytheon) destroyed the target.
This defense system, developed by both countries and with a range of about 400 kilometers, could be operational in 2014, having carried out the first series of tests in November 2012. “David’s Sling” improves the performance of the so-called “Iron Dome” system (used against short-range missiles) and consists of a two-stage missile with integrated radar and sensor systems in the projectile’s warhead. “David’s Slingshot” will complement the long-range anti-missile system known as “Arrow.” (defense.com)
