Israel approves sale of David’s Sling defense system to Finland

Israel’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) revealed that the US Government approved the sale by Israel of the country’s David’s Sling anti-missile defence system to Finland.

After receiving approval, the Israeli MoD, the Finnish MoD & Rafael Advanced Systems – the Israeli defence contractor that develops the system – will participate in a ceremony to sign a procurement agreement.

The procurement is expected to cost approximately 316 million Euros (USD 344 million).

About David’s Sling

David’s Sling, also formerly known as Magic Wand, is an Israel Defense Forces military system has been jointly developed by the Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the United States based defense contractor Raytheon.

The long range air and missile defense system offers terminal-phase, hit-to-kill defense against enemy planes, drone, tactical ballistic missiles, medium- to long-range rockets and cruise missiles, fired at ranges from 40 to 300 km (25 to 190 mi).

In addition to partnering on the system’s Stunner interceptor, Raytheon Technologies produces the system’s missile firing units.

Notably, David’s Sling comprises of the multi-pulse Stunner missile, which uses sophisticated sensors and control systems and an active electronically scanned array, or AESA, multi-mission radar for targeting and guidance.

The defense system is meant to replace the MIM-23 Hawk and MIM-104 Patriot in the Israeli arsenal.

General Information and Specifications