Israel's David's Sling Missile Defense System Sold to Greece

Israeli defense contractor Rafael has released an AI video depicting Michelangelo's David statue coming to life and firing a stone that transforms into a David's Sling interceptor missile, coinciding with the recent signing of a major air defense deal with Greece. The video, themed "Our ancestors invented, we just refine," celebrates the sale of Rafael's David's Sling system to Greece, which will become the Hellenic Air Force's most advanced interceptor, designed to defend against ballistic missiles.

Under the agreement, Greece will also acquire Rafael's portable SPYDER air defense systems, capable of intercepting drones, helicopters, and aircraft, as well as the Drone Dome system for non-kinetic drone neutralization. Additionally, Greece will purchase Rafael's national command and control system, which will integrate with Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) Barak MX systems for national defense management.

David's Sling, co-developed by Rafael and Raytheon for Israel's Ministry of Defense, operates above the Iron Dome system to intercept heavier rockets and short-range ballistic missiles. It has since been upgraded to counter medium-range ballistic missiles, including those from Iran. The interceptor's unique non-spherical nose cone allows for the integration of both radar and electro-optical sensors, enabling rapid target identification and pursuit, while advanced rocket propulsion provides high speed and maneuverability for intercepting cruise missiles.

Greece is the second international customer for David's Sling, following Finland's purchase three years ago for $339 million. The Greek deal brings the total export sales of David's Sling to approximately $1 billion. Poland is also reportedly considering acquiring the system.

The SPYDER system, a mobile air defense solution mounted on trucks, is a successful export product for Rafael, though it was recently integrated into the Israeli Air Force's defense array, where it has intercepted Hezbollah drones. India was the first customer in 2006, with cumulative sales exceeding $1 billion. Other SPYDER customers include Georgia, the Czech Republic, Azerbaijan, Morocco, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Kenya, Singapore, and the UAE. Romania has signed a major framework agreement for SPYDER batteries worth $2 billion, with initial orders in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Total cumulative sales for the SPYDER system have surpassed $5 billion.