Could be more effective than Patriot – military expert on David's Sling missile defense system

Missile defense “David's Sling” – a universal and long-range system / Collage 24 Channel

Israel sold its David's Sling missile defense system to Finland for the first time. Such global systems are provided directly, so their re-export to Ukraine is impossible.

This opinion was voiced by Israeli military expert David Sharp to Channel 24 . According to him, the David's Sling missile defense system is more versatile and long-range than the Patriot PS-3.

Universal missile defense system

David Sharp noted that the David's Sling missile defense system was originally designed to hit ballistic missiles launched at a target. The system can also hit cruise missiles of all types – this is one of its main tasks in Israel's missile defense.

This system can be compared to some extent with the Patriot PS-3 modification. However, it is more universal, longer-range. We are talking about a system that is designed to hit missiles. From the very beginning, it was intended to hit ballistic missiles launched at a target, at an object that is guarded, with a range of 40 to 300 kilometers. Perhaps more,” he explained.

In addition, the David's Sling missile defense can hit aircraft, drones, and airplanes. It is considered the pride of the Israeli military-industrial complex and has been successfully used in the war with Hamas.

“The principle of its operation is similar to the Patriot PS-3. The missile does not have an exploding warhead. It hits the target only with a kinetic impact. Due to the absence of a warhead, the missile benefits from light weight in speed and range. Therefore, it is a long-range system,” said a military expert .

David Sharp about the David's Sling missile defense: watch the video

Israel sold David's Sling missile defense system

• In August 2023, Israel received permission from the United States to sell the David's Sling missile defense system. Finland expressed its intention to acquire it in April, the day after it officially became the 31st NATO member.
• On Sunday, November 12, Israel entered into an agreement with Finland to sell David's Sling missile defense systems for 317 million euros. The agreement was signed at the headquarters of the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
• Note that David's Sling is a missile defense system of the Israel Defense Forces. It was developed by the Israeli manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems together with the American Raytheon. The system is designed to intercept medium- and long-range cruise missiles fired in ranges from 40 to 300 kilometers, as well as the latest tactical ballistic missiles of the Iskander type.