Following his arrival at Ben-Gurion Airport on Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden will be shown a number of cutting-edge Israeli air defense systems, which have been transported to the airport for his visit.
Biden will be shown the Arrow 3 and Arrow 4 missile defense systems, David’s Sling, the Iron Dome and Iron Beam, according to the Israeli Defense Ministry.
“Its interception capabilities are high and long-range, reaching far beyond the atmosphere. In July 2019, the IMDO and the U.S. MDA completed a series of tests of the Arrow 3 weapon system in Alaska, and successfully demonstrated hit-to-kill interceptions of high altitude, exo-atmospheric targets,” the statement continued.
The system’s primary contractor is Israel Aerospace Industries, according to the ministry.
David’s Sling, made by Israeli defense firm Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, is a middle layer of Israel’s air defense array, complementing other systems.
The system is based on a two-stage interceptor missile with “exceptionally high maneuverability and speed capabilities,” the ministry said.
In addition, Biden will view the Iron Dome system, which has intercepted more than 4,000 rockets, mostly fired by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic in Gaza, since becoming operational in 2011. The system can also shoot down cruise missiles and drones.
In 2019, the U.S. military purchased two Iron Dome batteries.
Finally, Biden will view the Iron Beam laser interception system, jointly developed by Rafael, Elbit Systems and the Defense Ministry.
“The laser system is effective, precise, easy to operate and substantially more cost-effective than any other existing defense system,” said the ministry. “Israel is one of the first countries in the world to succeed in developing high-power laser technology to an operational standard, as well as the successful demonstration of mortar, rocket and UAV interceptions,” it said.