Israeli missile defense system improved

JERUSALEM, July 27 (UPI) -- The Israeli military announced Sunday it had conducted a successful high-seas test of the Barak missile defense system.

Ynetnews.com reported the experiment involved a simulated enemy missile targeted at a ship, with the Barak system intercepting the missile. A top-ranking Navy official said the Barak defense system hit and destroyed the enemy missile.

The updated system can identify and intercept improved enemy missiles, and fire on them automatically, Israel News reported. Updates were instituted following a determination that powers in the region could soon launch an attack from the sea with advanced missiles.

The Navy official said the interception system can handle fast, dangerous attacks.

The success of the mission will mean all Navy ships will receive an updated version of the Barak system, Israeli officials said.