Two congressmen introduced legislation earmarking hundreds of millions of dollars for a leading anti-missile defense system that is a joint US-Israel project.

Congressmen Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) introduced on Tuesday bipartisan legislation to keep the David’s Sling anti-missile defense system moving forward by securing $286 million in funds for the anti-missile defense project.

The bill would ensure continued support for the David’s Sling system, a joint project between the United States and Israel.

“The first time I went to Israel, I saw firsthand what it was like for little kids to live under threat,” Kilmer said in a statement. “As a parent of two girls, I want to do everything we can to ensure that innocent civilians are protected from attacks. It’s important for us to bring this system online so we can help our ally in Israel and grow our economic partnership, so we can better share innovative ideas and create 21st-century jobs in both countries.”

Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. is developing the system in cooperation with the American Raytheon.

“I am proud to support the David’s Sling Authorization Act,” said Bridenstine.

Noting the growing missile threat from Hamas and Hezbollah as well as from their supporters in Iran and Syria, which are “aimed squarely against our best ally in the Middle East,” Bridenstine said that David’s Sling will provide additional protection. “US-Israeli co-development of David’s Sling demonstrates the unshakable American commitment to Israel’s security,” he said

Double the Range of Iron Dome

David’s Sling is a mid-range defense system designed to intercept missiles from more than 180 miles away. The system has recently undergone successful tests in Israel and should become operational in the coming months.

David’s Sling will be used to defend against medium- and long-range rockets and missiles, notably from Iran. In Israel, the system will supplement the existing Iron Dome system that protects against short-range rocket attacks, thus providing another layer of protection against ballistic projectiles.

The technology could also be used by the American military to keep service members safe when deployed overseas. The intercepting system is considered revolutionary in comparison with others.

The congressmen stressed that the joint project “will further develop relationships between both nations, and has the potential to create new jobs in both countries.”

By: Max Gelber, United with Israel