Israel successfully tests David's Sling rocket interceptor

USPA News - Israeli and American defense officials have successfully tested the David`s Sling weapon system which has the capability of intercepting missiles with ranges of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles), officials said on Sunday. It will add to the capabilities of the Iron Dome and Arrow.

Josh Hantman, a spokesman for the Israeli Ministry of Defense, said the test was conducted by Rafael Advanced Defense systems at a test range in the southern part of Israel at an undisclosed date. "This test included for the first time a successful interception by the Stunner Missile of the DSWS," he said, referring to David`s Sling. The system is designed to provide an additional layer of defense against ballistic missiles by adding additional opportunities for interception to the joint U.S.-Israel Arrow Weapon System. David`s Sling will be able to intercept missiles fired from both Iran and Lebanon, and is expected to become operational in 2014. The new weapon system will be part of Israel`s missile shield that includes the Iron Dome, which uses sophisticated radar to track, intercept and destroy incoming missiles. During this month`s conflict in Gaza, Hamas militants fired a total of 1,506 rockets at Israel, of which 421 were intercepted by the Iron Dome. David`s Sling is being developed by the Israel Missile Defense Organization and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, with the prime contractors being Rafael Advanced Defense and Raytheon. The system`s radar is being developed by ELTA Industries and the Battle Management Center by Elbit Systems.