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The David's Sling missile defense system, developed in partnership with the United States, has passed advanced tests, the Defense Ministry announced Wednesday, putting it on course for a possible 2016 deployment.
David's Sling is designed to intercept medium- range rockets and missiles, including many of Hezbollah’s projectiles, as well as hostile aircraft, missiles with longer ranges and cruise missiles. It will thus fill the operational gap between the Iron Dome short-range rocket interceptor and the Arrow ballistic missile interceptor, both already active.
A senior official from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems told The Jerusalem Post in December that the David’s Sling defense system will be able to intercept projectiles beyond Israel’s borders.
“David’s Sling has an interception range which ensures intercept before a threat enters Israeli territory. David’s Sling can intercept any rocket or missiles inside the atmosphere, and over enemy areas,” Ari Sacher, of Rafael’s Air Superiority Systems Division, said.
The system can shoot down incoming warheads irrespective of whether they are conventional or carrying an unconventional warhead, Sacher added.
“Two David’s Sling batteries will cover the whole of Israel,” he said. “It protects Israel against strategic threats, and has the range, the speed and the maneuverability to do so. The air force is preparing to receive this system.”
Unlike Iron Dome, which was developed exclusively by Rafael, the Israeli defense giant is developing David’s Sling jointly with the US defense firm Raytheon.
Watch: Israel's US-backed missile defense system 'David's Sling' passes advanced tests - Arab-Israeli Conflict - Jerusalem Post
Nov 2012 test:
Nov 2013 test:
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