A David’s Sling system launches a Stunner interceptor in a test. (Israel Defense Forces)

The David’s Sling air-defence system made its first two successful operational interceptions during the five-day escalation between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militant group in the Gaza Strip from 9 to 13 May.

In the first interception on 10 May, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) took the opportunity to test the system’s capability, while the second was linked to an operational requirement during a rocket attack, with David’s Sling being the best option for intercepting the threat, Janes has learnt. The date of the second interception has not been revealed.

The PIJ launched 1,469 rockets during the escalation, 1,139 of which crossed into Israel, according to the Israeli military. It credited the Iron Dome air-defence system with intercepting 437 rockets, which it said represented a 95.6% success rate as rockets heading for unpopulated areas are ignored. However, two civilians were killed in Israel, while another three were killed in the Gaza Strip by rockets that fell short.