The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR and D) of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), together with the Missile Defense Agency, successfully completed a series of flight tests of the David’s Sling Weapon System (DSWS) in an advanced system configuration against current and emerging threats.
During the campaign, designated David’s Sling Test-7 (DST-7), IMDO successfully demonstrated advanced capabilities of the DSWS in the intercept of a threat representative target. This intercept test represents a key milestone in DSWS development.
Additional flight testing was conducted as part of the campaign to collect technical and engineering data associated with the DSWS performance and intraoperability between different layers of the Israeli multi-tier defense architecture, including Arrow Weapon System, David’s Sling and Iron Dome Defense System that will allow integrated combat capabilities with additional interception opportunities.
“This was the seventh series of tests of the David’s Sling Weapon System, and marks an important milestone for the system,” said MDA Director Vice Admiral Jon Hill. “I congratulate this stellar team, which included the Israel Missile Defense Organization, the Israeli Defense Forces, MDA and industry partners. MDA remains committed to assisting the Government of Israel as it upgrades its national missile defense capability against current and emerging threats.”
DSWS is a central part of Israel’s multi-layered defense array that has been developed by IMDO. The defense system is based on four operational layers: Iron Dome Defense System, David’s Sling Weapon System, the Arrow-2 and the Arrow-3 Weapon System.
IMDO Director Moshe Patel said, “This series of tests successfully demonstrated David’s Sling advanced capabilities including Cruise Missile Defense. Israeli Multi-Tier Defense Interoperability was exercised and proved its efficiency in integrated defense. This success demonstrated once again great robustness and strength of an Israeli Multi-Tier Defense Array. I want to express my appreciation to our American partner MDA and all industries involved for great support and outstanding effort to ensure this successful campaign.”
