DEPLOYED

David's Sling

IL — Rafael / Raytheon
Autonomous Interceptor
DEPLOYED
2017

Description

Medium-to-long range missile defense system with AI-enabled multi-target tracking and autonomous engagement sequencing. Intercepts cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and large rockets.

David's Sling fills the critical gap between Iron Dome's short-range coverage and Arrow's high-altitude interception envelope, specifically designed to defeat Hezbollah's large rocket arsenal and Syrian ballistic missiles. The system's Stunner interceptor carries a hit-to-kill kinetic warhead guided by an active radar seeker for high-probability intercepts without explosive warheads. The co-development with Raytheon has facilitated technology transfer and joint production arrangements that benefit both Israeli and US missile defense programs.

Notable Use

Operational intercepts in 2018 against Syrian missiles; used in 2023–2024 Gaza conflict

Related Systems

Investment Implications

Raytheon Technologies (RTX) is the US co-developer of David's Sling and benefits from interceptor production contracts. Elbit Systems (ESLT) provides some avionics components.