David’s Sling (Israel)

Quick Facts

Mobility	Can be deployed on variety of platforms
Targets	Tactical ballistic missiles, medium/long-range rockets, cruise missiles
Role and Interceptors	Medium-range defense between Iron Dome (Short range) and Arrow 2 (long range); Stunner Interceptors – 40-300 km range
Country of Origin/Status	Israel and U.S.; Operational
Producer	Israeli – Rafael Advanced Defense Systems/Elta/Elbit American – Raytheon

Overview

David’s Sling Weapons System (DSWS), also known as Magic Wand, forms a crucial element of Israel’s multi-tier layered missile-defense architecture, replacing older U.S. Patriot and MIM-23 Hawk systems to provide mid-tier regional missile defense. DSWS will provide terminal-phase hit-to-kill defense against tactical ballistic missiles, medium- to long-range rockets and cruise missiles – including Scuds – especially from Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas and Syria.[i]David’s Sling will bolster Israeli defenses, filling the gap between the short-range defensive capabilities of the Iron Dome system, and the long-range capabilities of Arrow 2. DSWS serves as a flexible, multipurpose weapons system capable engaging a range of targets from a dynamic range of platforms.[ii]

DSWS was co-developed by Israeli contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and U.S.-based Raytheon: a contingency for U.S. funding.[iii]The system is composed of a two-stage multi-pulse “Stunner” interceptor missile, which uses electro-optical/IR sensors and a EL/M-2084 AESA multi-mission radar by Elta Systems for targeting and guidance, and control systems by Elbit systems.[iv]It can be mounted on an array of ground, naval, and aerial platforms, including existing rail and canister launchers, and the firing units allow for 360° coverage through vertical launch of the missile.[v]Recent tests have shown DSWS’ ability to destroy large salvos of high-caliber rockets and short-range ballistic missiles at high success rates.[vi]

Strategic Implications

David’s Sling significantly bolsters Israel’s key defensive capabilities, integrating mid-range regional defense into their multi-tiered missile defense framework, defending against the hundreds of thousands of missiles and rockets employed by Iran, Syria, Hamas and Hezbollah. DSWS can defeat the Iranian Fajr-5, BM-25 and Fateh-110, the Syrian M-600 and Khaibar-1, and Scud missiles.[vii]This provides significantly improved regional defense capabilities for the IDF as they defend the Israeli homeland against barrages of enemy missiles and rockets.