In the recent conflict between Israel and Gaza, Israel successfully showcased the operation effectiveness when the Air Defence Missile System David Sling intercepted one of the projectiles in a rocket attack from Gaza Strip. This interception marks the first successful interception of David’s Sling. Last year, Israel used the Iron Dome Air Defence missile system which came out to be so useful that it saved Israel from the Gaza attack. In this article, we will learn about David’s Sling Air Defence Missile System
Terrorists launched three rockets into Tel Aviv at approximately 2:20 p.m., in reaction to an Israeli offensive that began in the early hours of May 9. David’s Sling air defence system intercepted one of these rockets. On the afternoon of May 10, 286 rockets were launched towards Israel, according to the Israel Defence Forces. More than 60 of them were successfully intercepted by the Iron Dome defence system. While three rockets hit residential areas, the majority either missed their targets or landed in open regions in Gaza. The other two missiles fired towards Tel Aviv fell in open regions, including the sea, inflicting no substantial damage or injuries.
Second System in Israel’s Arsenal
Following the successful use of David’s Sling air defence system, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) issued a statement. The medium-range air defence system David’s Sling is expected to fill a critical gap in Israel’s missile defence arsenal. It works in tandem with the existing short-range Iron Dome system and the long-range Arrow system, both of which are specifically designed to intercept ballistic missiles. Israel hopes to improve its overall defensive capabilities with the inclusion of David’s Sling by offering excellent interception capabilities against medium-range threats.
The advent of the Iron Dome more than a decade ago changed the nature of Israel’s wars with Gaza. It has evolved into the major deterrent against rocket strikes conducted from Gaza or Lebanon, even those launched at medium ranges. However, with the recent successful deployment of David’s Sling system, Israel now has an extra layer of defence to combat medium-range threats, substantially strengthening its defensive capabilities.
David’s Sling
David’s Sling, formerly known as Magic Wand, is a military system developed jointly by the Israeli defence contractor Rafael Advanced Defence Systems and the American defence contractor Raytheon, designed to intercept enemy planes, drones, tactical ballistic missiles, medium- to long-range rockets, and cruise missiles fired at ranges ranging from 40 to 300 kilometres. The MIM-23 Hawk and MIM-104 Patriot will be replaced in the Israeli arsenal by David’s Sling. David’s Sling was designed to supplement Israel’s theatre missile defence system’s second layer. David’s Sling gets its name from the biblical account of David and Goliath. It is part of Israel’s prospective multi-tiered missile defence system, which also includes the Arrow 2, Arrow 3, Iron Dome, and Iron Beam systems.
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Capabilities of David’s Sling
- Large interception envelope
- Effectively intercepts threats during saturation attack
- Precision hit-to-kill aim point selection at end game
- The launcher carries up to 12 stunner interceptors, launched in a near-vertical orientation.
- Multi-pulse propulsion
- Innovative technologies, lethal hit-to-kill interceptor
- High probability of kill against a broad spectrum of current and projected air and missile defence threats
- Designed for “plug and play” insertion into fielded air and missile defence systems – open architecture
- Next-generation multi-sensor seeker
Need for Development
For many years, Israel has been subjected to rocket attacks, the most famous of which was the shelling of Galilee panhandle towns in the 1970s, the Second Lebanon War in 2006, when Israel suffered over 4,000 rocket attacks in one month, and the ongoing rocket fire from the Gaza Strip over the past decade. These constant threats were perceived by Israeli military officials, and thus the first Iron Dome systems were developed in a limited period of 5 years beginning in 2006. Later after the effectiveness of the Iron Dome, the Israeli military started their project on David’s Sling along with the US counterpart.
Operational History
On July 23, 2018, David’s Sling was utilised in combat for the first time. Israeli officials first thought that two Syrian OTR-21 Tochka missiles were on their way to Israel, according to Israeli sources. The two Syrian short-range ballistic missiles, which were fired as part of the country’s internal warfare and were not intentionally directed at Israel, did not cross the border and landed one kilometre inside Syria. One of the interceptors went off over Israel. According to Chinese media sources in November 2019, the Russians captured the other missile, which Syria had delivered to them. Syrian military forces discovered the missile intact after it failed to explode on impact after being launched in July 2018. On 10 May 2023, David’s Sling successfully shot down a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip which targeted Tel-Aviv.
Components of David’s Sling
A vertical missile firing unit, an ELM-2084 fire control radar, a battle management/operator station, and the Stunner interceptor comprise David’s Sling Weapon System (DSWS). DSWS, Israel’s middle-tier missile defence system, is designed to intercept ballistic and cruise missiles at ranges ranging from 40 to 300 km.
Stunner Interceptor
The Stunner is a two-stage, 4.6 m-long missiles capable of intercepting targets at altitudes of up to 15 km and ranges of 40 to 300 km.3 It achieves speeds of up to Mach 7.5 using a three-pulse solid propellant motor; the first two pulses push the missile along its initial trajectory, while the third activates to manoeuvre the interceptor and enhance speed before to intercept.
Firing Unit and Radar
The DSWS firing unit is a vertical launch mechanism for the Stunner missile that is trailer-mounted. Each firing unit may carry up to 12 missiles, and all firing units, as well as portions of the Stunner interceptor, are made in the United States.7
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