Click to see full-size image. (Israeli Defense Ministry)
The Israeli Defense Ministry announced on February 11 that it had successfully completed a series of “complex” tests with the David’s Sling medium-range air defense system as part of “upgrading readiness for future threats.”
In a statement, the ministry said the series of tests was based on “operational lessons” learned from the war, and included a “range of challenging scenarios in line with existing and evolving threats.”
“The success of the tests constitutes an additional technological and operational breakthrough in upgrading the system, which demonstrated high performance capabilities during the war with successful interceptions that saved lives and prevented significant damage,” it said.
Footage released by the ministry shows Stunner missiles being fired from a David’s Sling launcher loaded on the deck of a commercial ship at rockets and drones.
David’s Sling was jointly developed by the Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the American defense contractor Raytheon. It became operational in 2017.
The air defense system is designed to intercept planes, drones, tactical ballistic missiles, medium to long-range rockets and cruise missiles, fired at ranges from 40 to 300 kilometers.
The system’s Stunner missile is equipped with dual CCD/IR seekers especially designed to distinguish between decoys and the actual warhead of the missile. The missile also utilizes racking by Elta EL/M-2084 active electronically scanned array multi-mode radar.
The multi-stage interceptor consists of a solid-fuel rocket motor booster, followed by an asymmetrical kill vehicle with advanced steering for super-maneuverability during the kill-stage. A three-pulse motor provides additional acceleration and maneuverability during the terminal phase.
David’s Sling forms the middle tier of Israel’s multi-layer air defense capabilities, which also include the short-range Iron Beam and Iron Dome, and a top tier of Arrow systems especially designed to engage long-range ballistic missiles.
The system saw heavy use during the regional confrontation that followed the October 7 attacks of 2023, intercepting long-range rockets launched by Hamas from Gaza, as well as short-range ballistic missiles launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon and from Iran.
The latest test came amid rising tensions with Iran, with a major United States military buildup in the Middle East indicating that a new attack on the Islamic Republic may be around the corner. Israel is likely sending a message that its air defenses are prepared.
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“israel is likely sending a message that its air defenses are prepared.”
the zios also thought that last summer.
won’t allow me to speak the truth(s)…. perhaps in an hour or so with more comment(s) being “permitted” they will change their minds. the truth after all will set you free!
south front comment editors hard at work redacting unfavorable truth(s) to the issues of g0lden d0me 8 months after the 12 day war???