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David's Sling vs Fateh-110: Cost-Exchange Ratio & Combat Analysis

Compare 2026-03-21 3 min read

Overview

This analysis compares the David's Sling, a Israel Mid-tier 40-300km system costing $1.0M per unit, against the Fateh-110, an Iranian SRBM costing $300K per unit. The cost-exchange ratio of 3.3:1 favors the attacker — meaning it costs the defender 3.3x more to intercept than the missile cost Iran to produce. Mid-tier defense system with Stunner dual-seeker interceptor for 40-300km threats Solid-fueled SRBM family — Fateh-110/313/360 variants with 300-400km range

Side-by-Side Specifications

DimensionDavid S SlingFateh 110
Unit Cost $1.0M $300K
Cost-Exchange Ratio 3.3:1 3.3:1
Range Mid-tier 40-300km 400 km
Inventory ~180 ~500
Annual Production 50/yr
Role Mid-tier 40-300km SRBM
Manufacturer Rafael + RTX Iran / IRGC
Fuel Solid rocket

Head-to-Head Analysis

Cost-Exchange Economics

The David's Sling costs $1.0M per unit while the Fateh-110 costs just $300K, creating a 3.3:1 cost-exchange ratio. Unfavorable for the defender. The attacker has significant cost advantage.
The Fateh-110 has a 3.3:1 cost advantage over the David's Sling. This asymmetry is a key factor in the conflict's economic sustainability.

Inventory & Depletion

Coalition forces have approximately 180 David's Sling interceptors with annual production of 50 units. Iran maintains an estimated 500 Fateh-110 units.
Iran holds a 3:1 inventory advantage in this matchup.

Tactical Engagement

The David's Sling engages the Fateh-110 during the flight phase. At 400km range, the Fateh-110 is primarily a short-range threat. Stunner dual-seeker. Upgraded for BMs.
The David's Sling is designed to counter threats like the Fateh-110, but sustained engagement at 3.3:1 cost ratios creates long-term sustainability challenges.

Scenario Analysis

Mass salvo of Fateh-110 missiles

In a saturation attack using Fateh-110 systems, the David's Sling battery would need to engage multiple targets simultaneously. At $1.0M per interceptor, a salvo of 5 Fateh-110 missiles would cost $1.5M to launch but $5.0M to intercept.
Fateh-110

Extended conflict (30+ days)

Over 30 days of sustained combat, the David's Sling inventory faces significant depletion pressure. Annual production of 50 units translates to just 0.1 per day — far below consumption rates during active operations. Meanwhile, Iran produces approximately 3.3 ballistic missiles and 6.7 drones per day.
Attacker (Iran) — production outpaces defender replenishment

Complementary Use

The David's Sling should be integrated into a layered defense architecture, not relied upon as a standalone solution against Fateh-110 threats. Cost-effective lower-tier systems (Iron Dome at $80K, or Iron Beam laser at $2/shot) should handle cheaper threats when possible, preserving expensive David's Sling interceptors for high-value targets.

Overall Verdict

The David's Sling vs Fateh-110 matchup produces a 3.3:1 cost-exchange ratio favoring the attacker. For sustained conflict planning, interceptor production ramp-up and cost-reduction programs are critical to maintaining defensive capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Topics

David's Sling vs Zolfagar Iron Dome vs Fateh-110 David's Sling vs Emad David's Sling vs Fattah-2 David's Sling vs Ghadr-110 David's Sling vs Hoveyzeh

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