David's Sling

U.S. and Israeli defense officials have signed an agreement to continue developing the David's Sling weapon system, according to a Missile Defense Agency statement released yesterday. "This agreement continues efforts initiated under the U.S.-Israel Short-Range Ballistic Missile Defense Project Agreement signed by both nations in 2008," the statement adds. Further:

Signing on behalf of the United States was Army Lt. Gen. Patrick J. O'Reilly, director of the Missile Defense Agency. Signing for the State of Israel were Rear Admiral Ophir Shoham, Director, Directorate of Defense Research and Development; Mr. Tzahi Malach, Department of Finance, Ministry of Defense; and Mr. Ehud Shani, Director General, Ministry of Defense.

The David's Sling Weapon System Project Agreement will advance efforts to develop an Israeli capability against short-range and theater ballistic missiles, large-caliber rockets, and cruise missiles. Included in the project is the continued development of the Stunner Interceptor to provide lower-tier intercept capability for Israel's multi-layered missile defense system. David's Sling will also address the threat posed by the types of inexpensive and easily-produced short-range missiles and rockets used during the 2006 Lebanon War, and will also advance low-altitude intercept technology and provide that technology to benefit U.S. and Israeli industry.

The signing of the project agreement demonstrates the continued commitment of the United States to the defense of Israel.

In related news, InsideDefense.com reported yesterday that House appropriators have recommended adding $301 million for the Israeli Cooperative Programs line item, with $96 million going to fund U.S.-Israeli short-range ballistic missile defense, and $205 million going to the Israeli "Iron Dome" rocket defense program.