An Israeli defense system designed to shoot down rockets and mortars shot at Israel from the Gaza Strip was successful in field trials.

The Iron Dome system intercepted several rockets during tests last week, the Israel Defense Forces announced. Several missiles resembling Kassam and Katyusha rockets were shot simultaneously.

The system, which was designed by the state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, is expected to be deployed near the Gaza border with Israel later this year, according to reports. — jta