Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Israel Successfully Tests U.S.-Backed Missile Shield 'David's Sling'



Reuters: Israel tests U.S.-backed missile shield as Iran nuclear talks churn

* "David's Sling" due to be deployed next year
* Israel sees threat from Iran-backed Hezbollah
* Tests completed on deadline for Iran nuclear talks

A new Israeli air defense system being developed in partnership with the United States met all its objectives in a series of recent live interception tests, U.S. and Israeli officials said Wednesday, putting it on course for deployment by next year.

The system, David's Sling, shot down targets simulating longer-range missiles like Scuds that could be fired at Israel from Syria and by Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah guerrillas.

Defense sources said the more recent tests took place last week and on Tuesday. The latter coincided with international negotiations on Iran's disputed nuclear program that have drawn censure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and in turn soured his relations with U.S. President Barack Obama.

Update #1: Following a successful test series David’s Sling to become operational this year -- Defense Update
Update #2: Israel successfully tests US-backed missile shield -- Deutsche Welle

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