Israel tests missile to defend against airborne attacks

JERUSALEM — Israel’s military says it has successfully tested an advanced surface-to-air missile that analysts believe could play a key role in securing the country’s offshore gas fields.

A military official said Thursday the Barak 8 was tested from a ship for the first time and intercepted a small drone simulating an enemy craft. He said the system extends the range of Israel’s aerial defense and that the system, being developed with India, should be operational in about two years.

Speaking anonymously in line with military guidelines, he said it can deal with strategic threats like Russian-made Yakhont missiles, which can be fired from land and destroy ships at sea. Officials believe Hezbollah militants in Lebanon possess Yakhonts.

Israeli media reported Barak 8 could be deployed near offshore gas rigs.

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