WATCH: David's Sling goes on display for first time
Once shrouded in secrecy, missile interceptor goes on display for first time at Paris Air Show; to be operational in two years.
By REUTERSDavid's Sling defense system 370(photo credit: Defense Ministry)
Once shrouded in secrecy, Israel's David's Sling missile interceptor went on display for the first time this week at the Paris Air Show.Its co-manufacturers, Rafael, say the system is designed to compliment the Iron Dome defensive shield used in the Gaza conflict, and will be operational within two years.Co-developed by US firm Raytheon and Israeli company Rafael, David's Sling is a missile defense system designed to safeguard Israeli citizens from attack.The Sling is capable of intercepting incoming rockets more than 160 kilometers away.Until now all that's been seen of it is a brief video handout of a secret desert test last November.But this week Yossi Horowitz, business development director at Rafael, showed off one of the missiles at the Paris Air Show.Also known as the Stunner, the missile is part of a three-tier system. It will be used as a bridge between the existing Iron Dome system, which intercepts short-range rockets, and the Arrow, targeting ballistic missiles.Horowitz says David's Sling will be ready for deployment within two years.
