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 that the Barak 8 was tested from a ship for the first time and intercepted a small drone simulating an enemy craft. The system, being developed with India, extended the range of Israel’s aerial defence and should be operational in about two years.

Speaking anonymously in line with military guidelines, he said it could 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 that Barak 8 could be deployed near offshore gas rigs.