Major Advance for Multi-Layered Missile Defence Capability
The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) and the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) have successfully completed a series of live-fire intercept tests of the DAVID’S SLING weapon system against threat-representative cruise and ballistic missile targets, the organizations revealed on 15 December.
The tests, conducted in central Israel, were led by Rafael with the participation of the Israeli Air Force and Navy. This successful series is a critical milestone in enhancing Israel’s operational capabilities in defending itself against current and future threats. The series tested the capabilities of a new and advanced version of DAVID’S SLING, and included a number of scenarios simulating future threats. The results of this test will enable IMDO and industry engineers to evaluate and upgrade system capabilities.
IMDO and Rafael also successfully demonstrated the capabilities of IRON DOME in intercepting a variety of threats, including UAS and cruise missiles, showcasing the interoperability of the multi-layer air defence mechanism of ARROW-2 and -3, DAVID’S SLING and IRON DOME. Indications are that the systems will be capable of intercepting threats simultaneously. All are currently operational with the Israeli Air Force.
Acknowledging the vital role played and support given by the US, Israeli Defence Minister, Benny Gantz, commented that the test “[…] for the first time, assessed the combined interception capabilities of the multi-layer air defense system of the State of Israel. This is one of the most advanced air defense mechanisms in the world and it protects the state from threats near and far.”
Moshe Patel, Head of IMDO, added “[…] we demonstrated that the State of Israel has a robust, multilayered capability to face a variety of threats – cruise missiles, UAVs and ballistic threats. For the first time, we have demonstrated a multi-layered approach to dealing with threats – an approach that employs the IRON DOME, DAVID’S SLING and ARROW weapon systems. Using this approach, a variety of threats may be identified and intercepted via full coordination and interoperability between the systems.”
