U.S., Israel near deal on missile defence shield

The U.S. and Israel are just weeks away from reaching a draft agreement on co-production of an air defence system for Israel called DavidÕs Sling, jointly developed by the two countries
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ISRAELÕS MISSILE DEFENCE SYSTEM

DavidÕs Sling is designed to fill operational gap between Iron Dome short-range rocket interceptor and Arrow ballistic missile interceptor


DAVIDÕS SLING: Two-stage surface-to-air interceptor missile

Guidance: Radar and electro-optical sensors in nose control two sets of four movable wings

Speed: Mach 7.5

Altitude: 30-75km

Manufacturer:

Rafael (Israel),

Raytheon (U.S.)


Arrow 3: Destroys Iranian Shahab-3 ballistic missiles in outer space.

Range: 200-2,000km

Under development


Arrow 2: Intercepts long range missiles such as Shahab-2. Range: 200-1,000km. In operation since 2000

DavidÕs Sling: Addresses threat posed by rockets such as HezbollahÕs Zelzal-2 in Lebanon. 

Range: 40-300km

Expected to enter service in 2016


Iron Dome

Targets Qassam and Fajr-5 rockets.

Range: 4-70km

2011
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70km 300km 1,000km 2,000km

Sources: FAS, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Raytheon