Overview

• The trial series on August 4 included live interceptions of simulated cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range rockets to stress-test system upgrades.
• The exercises form part of an iterative operational learning cycle spearheaded by the Israeli Missile Defense Organization to refine medium-range interception.
• The U.S. Missile Defense Agency and prime contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems integrated recent combat feedback into the updated test scenarios.
• Since entering service in 2017, David’s Sling has filled the gap between Iron Dome and Arrow, recording multiple successful interceptions in Operation Rising Lion and the current Swords of Iron War.
• Officials say the enhancements bolster Israel’s multi-layered air-defense architecture as threats grow more sophisticated.