April 2, 2017, 5:42 PM (IDT)
David’s Sling, jointly developed by Israel and the US to counter medium-range missiles, drones and cruise missiles, was ceremonially declared operational Sunday. It rounds off Israel’s three-tier missile defense system that includes the Arrow, designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles in the stratosphere, and the short-range Iron Dome interceptor. DEBKAfile adds: David’s Sling is designed to shoot down missiles with ranges from 40 to 400km like those in the armories of the pro-Iranian Hizballah and the Syrian army. This sophisticated system was developed jointly Israel’s Rafael and the US Raytheon.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu hailed this “important milestone” in defense cooperation between Israel and the United States. Stressing the importance he attaches to home front defense, he warned Israel’s enemies not to test the Jewish state. “Those who threaten our existence are putting their own lives at risk,” he said,
US Vice Admiral James Syring, director the US Missile Defense Agency, noted the "incredible team work and effort," put into the development of David's Sling by both countries. This is an impressive day in what has already been an impressive year for Israeli missile defense," Syring said. "Israel's defense systems have never been stronger and are poised to defend Israeli citizens against the myriad threats they face across the region."
Source: New feed
