Missile David's Sling

Development of the David's Sling system began following a 2006 contract to establish a defense against medium- to long-range rockets. The program utilized technology derived from existing air-to-air missile seeker programs. A partnership between Israeli and American defense organizations was established to facilitate development and production, supported by United States financial assistance. The system underwent its first successful interception test in November 2012 and reached operational status in April 2017.

The system utilizes the Stunner interceptor, a two-stage missile powered by solid-fuel rocket motors. The interceptor features an asymmetric kill vehicle designed for maneuverability during the terminal phase, aided by a three-pulse motor. Guidance is provided by a dual-seeker assembly consisting of an active electronically scanned array (AESA) multi-mode radar and an electro-optical sensor suite comprising charge-coupled device (CCD) and imaging infrared (IIR) seekers. This dual-sensor configuration is intended to distinguish between actual warheads and decoys. The missile employs a three-way datalink for real-time retargeting and incorporates electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) and infrared counter-countermeasures (IRCCM). Target destruction is achieved via a kinetic hit-to-kill mechanism. The system is designed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft, drones, and heavy rockets.

The Israel Defense Forces is the primary operator, integrating the system as the second tier of a multi-layered defense network. Finland has been selected as a future operator. The system has also been offered to or evaluated by India, Switzerland, and several Gulf Cooperation Council members. Combat employment began in July 2018, when the system was activated against Syrian OTR-21 Tochka missiles. In May 2023, the system intercepted Badr-3 rockets over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Subsequent combat actions include the interception of an Ayyash-250 rocket in October 2023 and a surface-to-air missile over Lebanon in February 2024. The system was utilized during Iranian strikes in October 2024 and recorded its first ballistic missile interception in June 2025. One interceptor fired in 2018 was reportedly recovered intact in Syrian territory and transferred to Russia.