JERUSALEM — A joint U.S.-Israel missile interceptor will be operational in early April, completing Israel's multilayer defense system, a senior Israeli Air Force official said Monday.

David's Sling is meant to counter medium-range missiles possessed by Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. When the interceptor becomes operational, it will mark the completion of the multilayer system.

That includes the Arrow, designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles in the stratosphere with an eye on Iran, and Iron Dome, which defends against short-range rockets from Gaza.

The official spoke anonymously in line with protocol.


David's Sling was developed by Israeli defense firm Rafael with American defense giant Raytheon.