Israel, US hold covert trial for 'David's Sling' missile interceptor
The "successful" anti-missile system trials were conducted in central Israel under a media blackout.
By NOAM AMIR/MAARIV, JPOST.COM STAFFUpdated: JANUARY 25, 2017 19:11David's Sling(photo credit: DEFENSE MINISTRY)
Israel and the US in recent days have successfully completed a series of tests involving an advanced version of the 'David's Sling' missile interception system.Also known as the 'Magic Wand,' the anti-missile system trials were conducted covertly under a media blackout.David"s Sling successfully test [File]"The success of the test is part of the development on the future threat deterrence system," said the Defense Ministry. The trial was led by Israeli Rafael Advanced Defense Systems at a test field in central Israel, as part of coordination between the Defense Ministry’s Administration HOMA program for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure and the US Missile Defense Agency.The trials examined the capabilities and performance of the system, which is designed to intercept short- to medium- range rockets and ballistic missiles, including guided projectiles, cruise missiles, aircraft and drones. Its range of coverage means it can destroy incoming threats over enemy territory, away from Israeli skies.The trials examined several scenarios, which stimulated future threats, that the system may face during conflict."During the series of tests, after incoming missile detection, the MMR (multi-missile radar) located the targets and transferred the data to the central firing program, which calculated interception protocols," the Defense Ministry stated.'Magic Wand's' missiles were successfully launched and performed all stages of flight, including destroying the target, as planned.Last week, Israel strengthened its defense against an Iranian missile onslaught with the transfer of Arrow-3 interceptors from the Israel Missile Defense Organization to the Israel Air Force.In face of the growing missile threat, the Arrow-3 will form the uppermost layer of Israel’s multi-layered defense system, along with the Arrow-2, David’s Sling and Iron Dome system.Anna Ahronheim and Yaakov Lappin contributed to this report.