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Spokesperson and Public Relations Department at the Ministry of Defense/TPS-IL on 4 August, 2025
Israel, US Complete Successful Trial of Upgraded David’s Sling System
Jerusalem, 4 August, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- Israel’s David’s Sling air defense system has successfully completed a significant series of tests with the US Missile Defense Agency, Israel’s Defense Ministry announced on Monday, marking another major upgrade in the country’s multi-layered defense capabilities.
The advanced system, designed to intercept rockets, missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft, and drones, faced a range of simulated threats, reflecting current and future challenges Israel might encounter. Officials say the latest achievements build on the system’s proven effectiveness in the recent war with Iran and continuing Houthi ballistic missile attacks.
“We must prepare for a decade of high-level security, both in attack and defense. Our enemies are trying and will continue to try to challenge air defense systems, and we are required to continue to improve them, while at the same time accelerating new, game-changing developments and enhancing operational and lethal capabilities,” said Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, the Defense Ministry’s Director General.
Yoav Turgeman, CEO of Rafael, the system’s primary developer, expressed pride in the recent testing outcomes. “Just after Operation ‘With the Dog,’ Rafael is proud to conclude this successful and advanced series of tests that, in addition to the operational successes, solidifies the status of David’s Sling as one of the best air defense systems in the world,” he said. Turgeman highlighted the system’s ability to handle “a wide variety of challenging scenarios” and its “excellent ability to intercept a variety of advanced threats.”
David’s Sling, also known as the Magic Wand, was originally built to counter medium-to-long-range threats at distances of 40-300 kilometers — primarily from Gaza and Lebanon — not ballistic missiles traveling 1,500 kilometers from Iran. But during 12 days of fighting with Iran, the system successfully intercepted ballistic missiles.
“This is the first interception of its kind by a system that wasn’t designed for such ranges,” a defense official said at the time.
Israel’s multi-layered air defenses have drawn considerable international attention for intercepting a variety of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones launched by Iran and its proxies during the past year.
David’s Sling was jointly developed by Israel’s government-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the US defense contractor Raytheon. The system was used operationally in 2018.
Israel set an all-time record for defense exports in 2024, with sales reaching $14.795 billion. International demand for Israel’s military technology has surged as European countries increased their defense budgets in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
