Raytheon has been awarded two contracts by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to design and develop the David’s Sling Weapon System (DSWS).
The system will be used to defeat short-range ballistic missiles, large-calibre rockets and cruise missiles in their terminal phase of flight.
Under the first contract, Raytheon will co-develop the Stunner Interceptor, the missile component of the DSWS with Rafael.
Stunner is an advanced hit-to-kill interceptor designed for insertion into the DSWS and allied integrated air and missile defence systems.
The second contract will develop, produce and integrate logistics support of the missile firing unit (MFU), the launcher component of the DSWS.
The MFU will provide the DSWS with vertical interceptor launch capability for 360° extended air and missile defence.
Rafael’s Missile Division general manager David Stemer said that Rafael and Raytheon are responding to the worldwide demand for affordable missile defence by co-developing a next-generation hit-to-kill interceptor.
“The Stunner interceptor redefines the performance-cost-value equation for terminal missile defence and provides all-weather hit-to-kill performance at a tactical missile price,” Stemer said.
The DSWS is a joint programme between the Missile Defense Agency and the Israel Missile Defense Organization.
