WarSclerotic

The Israeli Air Force on Wednesday successfully tested the David’s Sling missile defense system and destroyed several “enemy” missiles fired over the ocean.

David’s Sling, which is expected to become fully operational within a few weeks, is designed to intercept medium- to long-range rockets and cruise missiles fired from ranges of 40 kilometers (25 miles) to 300 kilometers (186 miles) away.

According to the Defense Ministry’s Homa Directorate, which oversees the development of Israel’s missile defenses, the test simulated the missile threats Israel faces.

Held at the Palmachim Airbase in central Israel, the test included a series of interception scenarios during which the system’s radar and command and control abilities were put into action. IAF personnel assigned to the future David’s Sling Unit participated in the test as part of their training.

Homa Director Moshe Patel said the test was “a complete success.”

“This successful test is an important milestone in Israel’s operational defense capabilities,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The system was developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, along with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, Israel Aerospace Industries’ subsidiary Elta, Elbit Systems, and American defense contractor Raytheon.

A Rafael official said that “the targets intercepted in this test fire were the most advanced [threats] the defense system can take on. … The targets were intercepted at very high altitude.”

He said David’s Sling would allow Israelis “to lead a normal life even when faced with the threat of precision and unconventional missiles.”

David’s Sling is part of Israel’s four-tiered air defense, which also includes the Iron Dome system designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells, the Arrow 2 short- and medium-range ballistic missile interceptor, and the Arrow 3 long-range missile interceptor, which is in the last leg of its development.

In the future, the Air Defense Forces plan to use David’s Sling to intercept enemy drones, an IAF official said.