The Israeli Air Force is set to deploy David's Sling Weapon System (DSWS) to safeguard the country from threats posed by enemy countries such as Iran and Syria.

The US and Israel have jointly developed the system to intercept rockets launched from up to 200km away, Reuters reported. It is expected to be fully operational by early next month.

An undisclosed Israeli air force officer was quoted by Reuters as saying: "In the next two weeks we will declare operational the David's Sling and at that time we will have completed our multi-tier (defence capability).

"I'm sure that together with the Iron Dome and the Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 it will enhance our ability to deal with threats.”

Also known as the Magic Wand, the David’s Sling forms the central part of the multi-layered missile system in the country, according to The Times of Israel.

The DSWS, along with short-range Iron Dome and long-range Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 missiles, will form a multi-tier air defence missile system.

The Iron Dome system is the lowest layer that is designed to intercept short-range rockets, small unmanned aerial vehicles and mortar shells.

"I'm sure that together with the Iron Dome and the Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 it will enhance our ability to deal with threats."

The top layer, comprising Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems, is capable of engaging long-range ballistic missiles.

In January this year, the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Israel Missile Defense Organisation (IMDO) successfully completed the fifth series of tests of the David’s Sling Weapons System (DSWS) Yanat Sea Range in Israel.

The tests validated the capabilities and performance of the system that is designed to intercept short-range ballistic missiles, large calibre rockets and cruise missiles and unmanned aircraft systems.

Image: A rocket. Photo: courtesy of Israel Defense Forces.