JERUSALEM, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Israel successfully tested its "Arrow" anti-missile defense system on Monday, Israel's local daily Jerusalem Post reported.

    An improved "Arrow" missile, with modifications to its hardware and electronics, was successfully test-fired Monday afternoon at Israel's Palmahim Air Force Base, the daily reported on its website.

    The purpose of the test, the report said, was to launch the missile in a fly-out (where a missile is fired without intercepting a target) and then gather information on its flight and performance.

    Yoav Turgeman, head of the "Arrow" program at Israel's aerospace industries was quoted by the post as saying that improvements made to the missile's hardware and electronics not only reduced manufacturing costs but also improved its ability to intercept incoming ballistic threats.

    The post also reported, citing a senior Israeli official, that the "Arrow" was capable of intercepting ballistic missiles that currently capable of threatening Israel, including those in the hands of Iran and Syria.

    Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz praised the successful launch, calling it "another stage" in the development of Israel's missile defense system that provided protection against long-range threats to Israel.

    More than a month ago, Israel had tested the "Arrow" system in another experiment, during which the system succeeded in intercepting a test target simulating the warhead of a long-range missile.