Fifth Test Series Achieves Programme Objectives
The Israel Missile Defence Organisation (IMDO) and the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) have successfully completed the fifth series of tests for the DAVID’S SLING weapon system, a missile defence programme central to Israel’s multi-tiered antimissile array. The test series was conducted at Yanat Sea Range, operated out of Palmachim Air Base, Israel. Preliminary analysis indicates that test objectives were successfully achieved.
The tests examined capabilities and performance of the entire weapon system. Threat-representative targets were launched and successfully intercepted by STUNNER missiles. The Multi-Mission Radar (MMR) detected the target after launch and transferred flight information to the Battle Management Center (BMC), which calculated the defence plan. The interceptors were successfully launched, performed all flight phases and engaged the targets as planned.
“This test campaign is a critical step in ensuring Israel has the capability to defend itself from a very real and growing threat,” said MDA Director Vice-Adm. Jim Syring. “We remain strongly committed to supporting Israel’s development of a missile defence system.”
A collaborative effort between Israel and the US, DAVID’S SLING features an international supply chain with Rafael Advanced Defence Systems as prime contractor, Raytheon Missile Systems as principal subcontractor, Israel Aerospace Industry (IAI)/Elta as developer of the MMR And Elbit Systems’ Elisra subsidiary as developer of the BMC, also known as GOLDEN ALMOND.
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