Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense (SRBMD)

The Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense (SRBMD) David's Sling Weapon System (DSWS) program, managed by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), is a procurement initiative that provides funding to the Government of Israel for the acquisition of DSWS/SRBMD components. The primary goal of this program is to enhance Israel's capability to defend against short-range ballistic missile threats, in alignment with the strategic objectives outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Israel and the United States. The program supports the ongoing partnership between the two countries in missile defense, ensuring that Israel maintains a robust and responsive defense posture.

The David's Sling Weapon System (DSWS) is designed to intercept and destroy short-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and other airborne threats. The procurement line item funds the purchase of hardware components necessary for the operation and sustainment of DSWS. The quantities of these components are classified, and the budget documentation uses a unit quantity of one as a proxy for each fiscal year in which funding is provided. This approach is intended to maintain operational security while ensuring transparency in the budget process.

For Fiscal Year 2024, the program received a funding increase, largely due to supplemental funding provided by Division A of Public Law 118-50, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriation Act, 2024. This supplemental funding reflects the heightened need for missile defense capabilities in response to evolving regional threats and supports Israel's immediate procurement requirements. The justification for this funding is based on the strategic necessity of maintaining Israel's missile defense readiness and the importance of U.S.-Israel cooperation in this domain.

In Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026, the program is allocated funding for continued procurement of DSWS components. These funds are intended to sustain the operational effectiveness of the system, support hardware upgrades, and ensure the availability of critical spare parts. The funding profile for these years mirrors the coordinated Program Funding Baseline agreed upon by the Israeli Missile Defense Organization and the MDA, ensuring that procurement aligns with long-term strategic planning and system lifecycle requirements.

The Missile Defense Agency oversees the execution of this procurement program, working closely with the Israeli Missile Defense Organization to prioritize acquisitions and manage the delivery of DSWS components. The program is categorized as Service Ready (ID Code A), indicating that the procured systems are intended for immediate operational use. The procurement activity falls under Major Equipment, Defense-Wide, reflecting its importance to both U.S. and allied defense capabilities.

The objectives of the SRBMD/DSWS program are to provide Israel with advanced missile defense technology capable of countering a wide range of short-range ballistic threats, to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation, and to ensure the interoperability of U.S. and Israeli missile defense systems. The program also supports broader U.S. strategic interests in the region by contributing to the stability and security of a key ally. Funding for initial spares, flyaway unit costs, and recurring hardware costs are included in the overall budget, though specific quantities and details are classified for security reasons.