Iron Dome upgrade: Israel shoots down first missile with 'David's Sling'...

by solomine

Israel says its new mid-range missile defense system has successfully passed a test.

The "David's Sling" system is designed to stop mid-range missiles. The military says it shot down its first missile in a drill Sunday.

The system is designed to intercept projectiles with ranges of up to 180 miles.

The system is part of what Israel calls its "multilayer missile defense." Israel has also deployed Arrow systems for longer-range threats from Iran. The Iron Dome protects against short-range rockets fired by militants in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon. It shot down hundreds of rockets from Gaza in this month's round of fighting.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said the success of Iron Dome highlighted the "immense importance" of such systems.