Israel's David Sling missile defence passes final test

A test of a new Israeli air defense system, David’s Sling Weapon System, is seen in this handout picture released by Israel's Ministry of Defense (MOD) on April 1, 2015. REUTERS/MOD/Handout via Reuters/Files

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel plans to deploy its new medium-range missile interceptor David's Sling by mid-2016 after the U.S.-backed system passed final trials, defence officials said on Monday.

David's Sling is designed to shoot down rockets held by Israeli antagonists such as Lebanon's Hezbollah guerrillas with ranges of 100 to 200 km (63-125 miles), as well as cruise missiles and drones.