David’s Sling anti-missile system to be deployed within weeks

Israel’s David’s Sling anti-missile battery will go operational within the next two weeks, providing the final level of the Jewish state’s multi-tiered missile defense array, an Israeli Air Force general says.

The David’s Sling, also known as the Magic Wand, will make up the middle tier of Israel’s missile defense capabilities.

The system will make up gaps between the short range Iron Dome system, capable of intercepting small rockets and mortar shells and the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems, which are intended to engage long-range ballistic missiles.

On Friday, the Arrow 2 was deployed for the first time, shooting down a surface-to-air missile shot from Syria, says Brig. Gen. Tzvika Haimovitch, head of the army’s Aerial Defense Command.

However, Haimovitch says that even with the new missile defense system, Israel is still vulnerable.

The David’s Sling gives the Israel Defense Forces “more capabilities and more effectiveness,” he says, “but it’s never enough. It’s not hermetic.”

Haimovitch does not give an exact date for the system’s deployment, but said on Monday afternoon that it should occur “around two weeks from today.”

The David’s Sling, which is believed to have a range of 40-190 miles (70-300 kilometers), will provide protection for “most of our homeland,” the general says.

Haimovitch does not expand on what specific areas will be covered by the missile defense battery.

Though his reticence to specify what areas of the country is covered should be fairly obvious, says Uzi Rubin, an expert on missile defense systems who is considered the father of the Arrow program.

“That’s something that Hezbollah would like to know too,” he says with a laugh.

— Judah Ari Gross