IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

David's Sling Air-Defense System

16th October, 2023 Security

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Context

  • Israel confirmed using its David's Sling Air-Defense System to intercept a Hamas rocket.

David's Sling Air-Defense System

About

  • David's Sling also formerly known as Magic Wand is an Israel Defense Forces military system.
  • David's Sling became operational in April 2017.

Development

  • It is being jointly developed by the Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the American defense contractor Raytheon.

Role

  • It has been designed to intercept enemy planes, drones, tactical ballistic missiles, medium- to long-range rockets and cruise missiles.

Range

  • It is fired at ranges from 40 to 300 km.

Capabilities

  • The system's missile is designed to intercept the newest generation of tactical ballistic missiles at low altitudes, such as the Russian Iskander and the Chinese DF-15.

Interceptor

  • The multi-stage interceptor consists of a solid-fuel rocket motor booster.
  • The interceptor is a two-stage missile, with two targeting and guidance systems installed in its nose-tip (a radar and an electro-optical sensor).

Motor

  • A three-pulse motor provides additional acceleration and manoeuvrability during the terminal phase.

Part of Israel's future Multi-Tiered Missile Defense System

  • It forms one level of Israel's future multi-tiered missile defense system, which also includes Arrow 2, Arrow 3, Iron Dome, and Iron Beam.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements:

1.David's Sling is an Israel Defense Forces military system.

2.It is fired at ranges from 40 to 300 km.

3.It has been designed to intercept enemy planes, drones, tactical ballistic missiles, medium- to long-range rockets and cruise missiles.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

A) Only 1

B) Only 2

C) All 3

D) None

Answer: D) None