Israel’s missile defense capabilities were put to the test when Iran launched a barrage of over 200 ballistic missiles. While the Iron Dome system is well-known for intercepting short-range rocket systems, the country also relies on two other home-grown air defense systems: David’s Sling and the Arrow 2 and 3.
In April of last year, during Iran’s attack on Israel, these systems, along with Iron Dome, successfully intercepted 99% of the more than 300 drones, ballistic, and cruise missiles launched by Iran. Designed to take down medium and long-range missiles, David’s Sling, produced by defense contractors Raytheon and Rafael, has a range of 25 to 186 miles.
David’s Sling operates by using the sheer force of impact to destroy incoming ballistic missiles. It’s a “hit-to-kill” system, meaning it destroys the threat by colliding with it, much like hitting a bullet with another bullet due to the high velocities involved. On the other hand, the Arrow 2 and 3 systems are capable of intercepting much longer-range missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that may travel beyond Earth’s atmosphere. The Arrow 3 system, with a range of 1,500 miles and the ability to reach an altitude of 100 miles, is particularly impressive.
While the Arrow 2 is designed to explode near an incoming missile, bringing it down through the blast impact, the Arrow 3 is a hit-to-kill missile. The Arrow 2 system has been used recently to shoot down long-range missiles fired at Israel by the Houthi militant group in Yemen, allegedly in support of Hamas and Hezbollah in their conflicts with Israel.
Israel’s multi-layered missile defense system, comprising of Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the Arrow 2 and 3, provides the country with a comprehensive defense against various types of missile threats. By successfully intercepting high-flying, faster long-range missiles, these systems play a crucial role in safeguarding Israel’s security.
