David's Sling
Rafael / Raytheon · Surface-to-Air · Israel · Digital Age (2010–present)
The David's Sling (Hebrew: Kela David; also Magic Wand) is an Israeli-American medium-range air-defence + anti-ballistic missile system — Rafael + Raytheon's joint counter-cruise-missile + counter-medium-range-ballistic-missile platform + the middle tier in Israel's layered missile defence (between Iron Dome + Arrow). Rafael (prime) + Raytheon developed David's Sling in 2006-2017 under a US-Israel joint programme; service entry 2 April 2017. The system bridges the gap between Iron Dome (short-range rockets) + Arrow (long-range ballistic missiles).
The David's Sling uses the Stunner / SkyCeptor interceptor — a 2-stage hit-to-kill missile (no explosive warhead). Length 4.6 m, weight 235 kg. Maximum speed Mach 7.5. Engagement envelope: 40-300 km range, 15 km altitude. Targets: cruise missiles, drones, large rockets, short-range ballistic missiles, + aircraft. Guidance: 2-stage radar (Elta EL/M-2084 + dedicated David's Sling radar) + dual-mode active radar + electro-optical seeker. The kill vehicle has unique forward-looking optical + radar seekers (the asymmetric "two-eye" nose is the missile's most-recognisable feature).
David's Sling combat began in 2017 with the first operational intercept of Syrian artillery rockets. From October 2023 + April 2024 + October 2024, the system engaged Iranian + Iraqi militia ballistic missiles + cruise missiles in coordination with Iron Dome (short-range) + Arrow (long-range) — the three-tier integration successfully defeated >99% of incoming Iranian missiles during the April + October 2024 Iranian attacks on Israel. Finland became the first export customer in 2023 (~€316 million order); the system is also used by IAF training units in Estonia. Through 2025 the system has intercepted >100 threats.
For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version
David's Sling is an Israeli-American medium-range anti-missile system. The Hebrew name Kela David means David's Sling. It sits between Iron Dome (short range) and Arrow (long range) in Israel's layered air defense. Rafael and Raytheon built David's Sling together. The system entered service on April 2, 2017.
David's Sling uses the Stunner missile (also called SkyCeptor). The Stunner is 15 feet long and 518 pounds, longer than a person. Top speed is Mach 7, much faster than a rifle bullet. Range is 25 to 185 miles, with an altitude of 9 miles.
The Stunner has a unique two-sensor nose. One sensor is a radar that finds enemies in any weather. The other is a small telescope-camera (optical) that gives extra accuracy. The asymmetric two-eye nose is the missile's most-recognized feature.
David's Sling stopped Syrian rockets in 2017. Then in October 2023, April 2024, and October 2024, David's Sling worked with Iron Dome and Arrow to stop Iranian and Iraqi missile attacks on Israel. The three systems together form Israel's defense, the most-tested air defense in the world.
Fun Facts
- David's Sling is an Israeli-American medium-range anti-missile system.
- Kela David means David's Sling in Hebrew.
- The Stunner missile is 15 feet long, longer than a person.
- Top speed is Mach 7, much faster than a rifle bullet.
- Range is 25 to 185 miles, with an altitude of 9 miles.
- The Stunner has a unique two-eye nose with radar and camera.
- David's Sling has stopped Iranian missile attacks in 2024.
Kids’ Questions
Why three air-defense layers?
Israel faces many threats at different ranges. Iron Dome stops short-range rockets (up to 40 miles). Arrow stops the longest-range rockets (1,500 miles or more, including those flying outside the atmosphere). David's Sling fills the middle (25 to 185 miles). Together the three layers cover every distance, like a fortress with low walls inside high walls.
What is two-mode guidance?
The Stunner missile has two sensors in its nose. The radar finds targets in any weather (rain, fog, smoke). The optical camera (like a telescope) sees the target clearly when the weather is clear. The missile uses both to lock on more accurately than either alone. This makes the Stunner very precise, important for hit-to-kill.
Did it work in 2024?
Yes. In April 2024 and October 2024, Iran launched many missiles at Israel. Israel's air defenses (Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow working together) stopped almost all of them. David's Sling stopped medium-range cruise missiles and rockets. The three-layer system performed better than expected, proving the layered design works.
Variants
- Stunner (interceptor)
- Standard 2-stage hit-to-kill missile.
Notable Operators
- Israeli Air Force (2017-present)
- Principal operator. April + October 2024 Iran defence.
- Finnish Defence Forces (ordered)
- First export. 2023 order, delivery from 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does David's Sling have two seekers in the nose?
The Stunner interceptor uses a dual-mode terminal seeker — both an active radar + a passive electro-optical (mid-wave infrared) sensor in the nose. The radar provides all-weather long-range tracking + acquires the target through cloud cover. The EO seeker provides high-resolution short-range terminal homing + cannot be jammed by traditional radar countermeasures (chaff, jammers). Combined, the two seekers are highly resistant to electronic countermeasures + provide hit-to-kill precision against manoeuvring targets. The asymmetric "two-eye" nose configuration is unique to the Stunner; no other operational interceptor uses this dual-seeker layout.