[4][5][6] The multi-stage interceptor consists of a solid-fuel rocket motor booster, followed by an asymmetrical kill vehicle with advanced steering for super-maneuverability during the kill-stage.

In 2006 Rafael was awarded a contract to develop a defense system to counter the threat of medium- to long-range rockets with ranges between 70 and 250 km (43 and 155 mi).

The David's Sling battery, stationed at an undisclosed desert location in Southern Israel, fired and destroyed the incoming missile with a two-stage interceptor.

[11][better source needed] In late November 2014, the IDF revealed that the David's Sling system would soon be deployed in various areas around Israel for a trial period before becoming operational.

[16] On 21 December 2015, the David's Sling Weapon System (DSWS) demonstrated its ability to destroy salvos of heavy long-range rockets and short-range ballistic missiles, completing the first block of developmental tests.

David's Sling protects areas above the short-range Iron Dome and below the upper-atmospheric Arrow-2, particularly against threats such as Russian 9K720 Iskander tactical ballistic missiles, Syrian Khaibar-1 302 mm rockets, the Iranian Fateh-110 used by Hezbollah, and the Scud-B.

[20] In November 2019, Chinese media reports claimed that Syria transferred the other missile to Russia; it had been found intact by Syrian military forces as it did not explode on contact after being fired in July 2018.

[27] On 17 November 2010 Rafael's Vice President Mr. Lova Drori confirmed in an interview that the David's Sling system has been offered to the Indian Armed Forces.

[29] In September 2018, the Swiss armaments procurement agency Armasuisse announced its interest to receive proposals regarding the David's Sling system for the renewal of Switzerland's air defence capacities.

[30] On 5 April 2023, the Finnish Defence Forces selected Rafael's David's Sling rather than Israel Aerospace Industries' Barak-MX for a future high-altitude air-defence system.

The system aims to integrate the Stunner interceptor from the jointly funded David's Sling program with Patriot PAC-3 radars, launchers, and engagement control stations.

Government and industry sources said that the Stunner-based PAAC-4 interceptors would offer improved operational performance at 20 percent of the $2 million unit cost of the Lockheed-built PAC-3 missiles.

Israeli program officials have said that a previous teaming agreement between Raytheon and Rafael would allow the U.S. company to assume prime contractor status, and produce at least 60 percent of the Stunner missile in the United States.