WarSclerotic

Israel and the US in recent days successfully tested the David’s Sling defense system, designed to stop long-range rockets and cruise missiles, bringing the country a step closer to having an active defense shield against Hezbollah’s arsenal of projectiles.

The David’s Sling is a missile defense system currently under development by Rafael in Israel and Raytheon in the US. The system would defend against Iranian missiles such as the M600, the Zelzal, Fajr and Fateh 110 deployed heavily in Hezbollah hands in Lebanon as well as other missiles with a range between 70 and 300 kilometers. It is slated to become operational in 2014.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak congratulated those involved in the test, adding that David’s Sling would form a significant layer in Israel’s multi-layered missile defense program.

“The major success of Iron Dome batteries in Operation Pillar of Defense clarifies beyond all doubt the huge importance of missile defense programs. The state of Israel is a world leader in this field, thanks to its Israeli defense industries and their people,” Barak added.

The missile threat to Israel varies, but the IDF estimates there are about 200,000 rockets and missiles pointed in its direction from Iran, Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas.

Israel is currently concerned with the possibility of an attack from Syria. One scenario under consideration is that President Bashar Assad will try to divert attention away from his brutal onslaught against the Syrian people by sparking a confrontation with Israel. In such an event, the possibility that Scud missiles will be fired is not considered impossible.

David’s Sling uses the Stunner interceptor, fitted into a launcher that can hold 16 missiles. It works together with an advanced phased-array radar made by Israel Aerospace Industries. The system can also be formatted to defend Israel’s skies against enemy aircraft.

David’s Sling will operate within Israel’s multi-tiered missile defense system, protecting the country from medium-range threats. The Iron Dome system aims to intercept short-range missiles and rockets, while the country’s Arrow and eventually Arrow 3 seek to intercept long-range missiles and ICBMs.

Yaakov Katz contributed to this report