Israel begins installing defense against mid-range rockets

By: 9 years ago

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. Israel said it has begun delivering its new mid-range missile defense system to air bases. The Defense Ministry said Tuesday March 1, 2016 that the David's Sling system "will allow Israel to more effectively defend against the wide range of current and future threats to its civilians." (Ministry of Defense via AP, File)

This Dec. 21, 2015, file photo provided by the Israeli Ministry of Defense shows a launch of David’s Sling missile defense system. Israel said it has begun delivering its new mid-range missile defense system to air bases. The Defense Ministry said Tuesday March 1, 2016 that the David’s Sling system “will allow Israel to more effectively defend against the wide range of current and future threats to its civilians.” AP

JERUSALEM — Israel said Tuesday it has begun delivering its new mid-range missile defense system to air bases.

The Defense Ministry said the David’s Sling system “will allow Israel to more effectively defend against the wide range of current and future threats to its civilians.” The delivery process will take a few weeks.

READ: Israel’s Iron Dome destroys Gaza rocket—security source

Developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and U.S.-based Raytheon Co., it is designed to intercept rockets between 70 kilometers (45 miles) and 300 kilometers (180 miles). It is primarily meant to defend against attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The Iron Dome protects against short-range rockets, and intercepted hundreds of projectiles fired by Hamas and other Palestinian militants during the 2014 Gaza war. Israel has also deployed its Arrow system for longer-range threats from Iran.