Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly announced the commissioning of the new long-range, anti-missile David's Sling Weapon System (DSWS), which is intended to safeguard the country from threats posed by hostile nations.
The US and Israel have jointly developed the system to intercept large-calibre rockets, short-range ballistic missiles and other developing threats.
Netanyahu was quoted by The Times of Israel as saying: “We are completely committed to the security of Israeli civilians.
“Within the framework of that commitment we are systematically working to strengthen Israel’s strike capabilities against its enemies, and in the same way, we are systematically working to strengthen our ability to defend ourselves against our enemies.”
The Israeli Air Force announced its plans to deploy DSWS last month after receiving the defence system from the country’s defence ministry in July.
The newly operational DSWS forms a part of the multi-tier air defence missile system, which also includes the short-range Iron Dome and long-range Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 missiles.
Israel Defense Force (IDF) noted that the country's air defence systems are stationed throughout the country and are prepared to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
An Iron Dome battery successfully intercepted a rocket that was fired at southern Israel in February, protecting thousands of Eilat residents and tourists.
The new DSWS is a stationary unit unlike the mobile Iron Dome system and can protect the entirety of Israel from its permanent location, according to a statement by the IDF.
