The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) successfully completed a series of tests of the David's Sling Weapon System. This test series, designated David's Sling Test-4 (DST-4), was the fourth series of tests of the David's Sling Weapon System and the final milestone before declaring delivery of an operational system to the Israeli Air Force in 2016. The test series was conducted at a test range in southern Israel.

The tests examined capabilities and performance of the entire David's Sling Weapon System. The series included intercepts of multiple threat representative targets by Stunner interceptor missiles in realistic, real-time engagements. During each test, the Multi-Mission Radar (MMR) detected the target after launch and transferred flight information to the Battle Management Center (BMC), which calculated the defense plan. The Stunner interceptor was successfully launched, performed all flight phases, and engaged the target as planned. Preliminary analysis indicates that test objectives were successfully achieved.

Information collected during the test series is being analyzed by program engineers and will be used for ongoing development and fielding of the David's Sling Weapon System. This test series provides confidence in future Israeli capabilities to defend against large caliber rockets and other developing threats.

The David's Sling Weapon System is a central part of Israel's multi-layer defense array. The other layers of defense are: Iron Dome (operational), the Arrow-2 (operational) and Arrow-3 (under development).

The prime contractor for David's Sling Weapon System is Rafael, with Raytheon Missile Systems as a sub-contractor. The MMR is developed by Elta, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries. The BMC, known as the Golden Almond, is developed by Elisra, an Elbit subsidiary.

Israel Ministry of Defense Media Contact:

• Arielle Heffez, 972-3-697-5339 (Office), 972-523-3211 (Cell), arielle.heffez@gmail.com