David’s Sling Handover Begins

The latest major upgrade of Israel’s air defense system formally began on Tuesday with the delivery of the first components of David’s Sling anti-missile interceptors.

The announcement followed a series of successful trials concluded on December 21, according to the Defense Ministry’s Home Administration, which is responsible for developing missile defenses.

David’s Sling “will become operational this year,” and is “an inseparable part” of Israeli air defenses, an Israeli security source said last week.

The defense system can intercept short- to medium-range rockets and ballistic missiles, including guided projectiles, cruise missiles, aircraft and drones. Its range will also enable it to destroy incoming threats over enemy territory, long before they reach Israeli skies.

The handover will be conducted over several weeks, the defense ministry said. “In the first stage, project managers from Homa, together with military industries, headed by prime contractor, Rafael, will begin handing over the interception, command and control, and radar systems,” it said in a statement.

David’s Sling Multi Mission Radar was developed by IAI’s subsidiary, Elta. Elbit Systems designed its command and control system, called Golden Almond.