Israel's new missile defense system
Israel successfully tested its newest missile defense system
on Wednesday, a key step toward making the third and final leg of the country's
three-part defense system operational by next year. "David's Sling,"
also known as "Magic Wand," is designed to intercept projectiles with
ranges between 70 kilometers (45 miles) and 300 kilometers (180 miles), and is
aimed primarily at countering the large arsenal of Hezbollah rockets in Lebanon
and those of President Bashar Assad's government in Syria.
The defense ministry said the system, developed by Israel's
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and U.S.-based Raytheon Co, detected and
destroyed a test ballistic missile over Israel on Wednesday morning and marked
a "step forward" toward its scheduled deployment next year. Iran has
developed missiles that can travel 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles), putting
Israel and parts of Europe well within its range. Israeli concerns have been
compounded by Iran's controversial nuclear program, which Israel believes is
geared toward making nuclear weapons — a charge Tehran denies.
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