Another Upgrade to the "David's Sling" Air Defense System
The "David's Sling" air defense system underwent a significant upgrade following the completion of a successful series of tests that dealt with a variety of advanced threat scenarios.
Following successful interceptions during the war, the "David's Sling" air defense system underwent another upgrade, with the completion of a successful series of tests. The tests were conducted by the Homa (Wall) Directorate at MAFAT in the Ministry of Defense, in cooperation with the American Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Rafael company, as part of the system's operational learning process.
During the tests, "David's Sling" faced a variety of scenarios simulating existing and future threats – rockets, missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft and UAVs. The success of the series represents a technological and operational breakthrough for a system that has already demonstrated high capabilities during the "Iron Swords" war and Operation "Together as One Lion," with interceptions that saved lives and prevented heavy damage.
"David's Sling" constitutes a central defense layer in Israel's multi-layered air defense array, which also includes the Arrow, Iron Dome, and Iron Beam systems — expected to join in the future. The system is developed by the Ministry of Defense through MAFAT, together with the defense industries and the American Missile Defense Agency. Rafael is the main developer, the Elta division of Israel Aerospace Industries is responsible for the MMR radar, and Elbit Systems is responsible for developing the command and control system.
Ministry of Defense Director-General, Major General (Ret.) Emir Baram, addressed the success: "Our enemies will continue to try to challenge the air defense systems and we are required to continue improving them... The success of the test series constitutes another upgrade to the State of Israel's multi-layered defense array."
Head of MAFAT, Brigadier General (Ret.) Dr. Daniel Gold, noted that these achievements demonstrate Israel's qualitative edge and technological superiority: "The latest upgrade of the system is another significant milestone... strengthening Israel's deterrent capability."
Head of the "Homa" Directorate, Moshe Patel, also addressed the operational importance of the success: "During Operation 'Together as One Lion'... the air defense systems, including 'David's Sling,' saved many lives... This success brings an upgrade to the capabilities delivered to the IDF."
Rafael CEO Yoav Tourgeman concluded: "The system proved excellent capability to intercept a variety of advanced threats... Rafael is proud to conclude a successful series of tests that establishes 'David's Sling' as one of the world's leading air defense systems."