Israel plans laser interceptor 'Iron Beam' for short-range rockets

Israel plans to deploy a new missile shield known as "Iron Beam" next year which would use a laser to blow up short-range rockets and mortar bombs.
The system is designed to deal with threats that fly on too small a trajectory to be engaged efficiently by Iron Dome, the Israeli interceptor credited with an 80 percent success rate against rockets fired by Palestinian militants.
Both shields are manufactured by state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. While Iron Dome launches radar-guided interceptor rockets, Iron Beam's laser will super-heat the warheads of shells with ranges of up to 7 km (4.5 miles).
Iron Dome is complemented by Arrow II, an Israeli interceptor designed to shoot down ballistic missiles at atmospheric heights. Israel plans to integrate them with the more powerful rocket interceptors Arrow III and David's Sling, both of which are still in their testing phases.
The United States has extensively underwritten the projects, seeing them as a means of reassuring its Middle East ally as instability rocks the region.
reuters

US-Israel David's Sling Aces 2nd Intercept Test

The US-Israel David’s Sling Weapon System (DSWS) scored a “major milestone” Wednesday with a successful intercept of a short-range ballistic missile target at a test range in southern Israel.
Wednesday’s intercept marks the second test success since the beginning of the year, and aims to ready the system for initial deployment in 2014.
Jointly funded by the US and Israel, David’s Sling is designed to defend against long-range rockets and short-range missiles. Later block versions will extend performance to defend against cruise missiles and other air-breathing targets.
Developed by Israel’s state-owned Rafael Ltd. in conjunction with its US partner Raytheon Co., DSWS will provide an additional layer to Israel’s multi-layer active defense intercepting network. When deployed, it will serve as a bridge between the operationally proven lower-tier Iron Dome and the operational Arrow-2 and planned Upper Tier Arrow-3.
Supporting the DSWS is the Multi-Mission Radar by Elta, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, and the Golden Almond battle management and control system developed by Elisra-Elbit Systems.
defensenews

Israel gets sixth Iron Dome, awaits David's Sling

As the Middle East descends deeper into conflict, Israel's military is set to deploy its sixth Iron Dome counter-rocket battery, produced by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and is preparing to take delivery of the first unit of David's Sling, another Rafael anti-missile system.
spacewar

Israeli David's Sling anti-missile system unveiled in Paris

David's Sling, designed to protect Israel from midrange missiles, is expected to be operational within two years • It will become part of Israel's multilayered missile defense network, which also includes the Iron Dome and Arrow systems.
israelhayom