File - This Monday, Dec. 21, 2015 file photograph provided by the Israeli Ministry of Defense shows a launch of David's Sling missile defense system. A senior Israeli air force official says a joint U.S.-Israeli missile interceptor will be operational soon, completing the country's multi-layer defense system. He said Monday that David's Sling, meant to counter medium-range missiles possessed by Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, will be operational in early April. (Ministry of Defense via AP, File)
Republished March 20, 2017 - 11:30 AM
Original Publication Date March 20, 2017 - 10:05 AM
JERUSALEM - A joint U.S.-Israeli missile interceptor will be operational soon, completing Israel's multi-layer defence system, a senior Israeli air force official said Monday.
He said David's Sling, meant to counter medium-range missiles possessed by Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, will be operational in early April, marking the completion of the system.
That includes the Arrow, designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles in the stratosphere with an eye on Iran, and Iron Dome, which defends against short-range rockets from Gaza.
The official spoke anonymously in line with protocol.
Israeli deployed its Arrow system Friday when Syria fired a missile at its jets after they carried out airstrikes targeting a weapons convoy bound for Hezbollah.
The official said the missile was identified as a ballistic threat and had a heavy warhead that could have landed inside Israel if not intercepted.
David's Sling was developed by Israeli defence firm Rafael with American defence giant Raytheon.
News from © The Associated Press, 2017