JERUSALEM, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Israel's state-owned defense technology company, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, announced Wednesday the completion of trials of its SPYDER anti-drone system.

SPYDER, or "Surface-to-air Python and Derby," is a rapid-response surface-to-air missile system designed to counter attacks from various aerial threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles and helicopters.

In a test carried out lately by Rafael and the Israeli Defense Ministry, a new all-in-one configuration of the system "successfully" intercepted a drone, the company said in a press release.

The system "achieved a direct and effective hit" during the test, the company said. Video footage released by Rafael showed an interceptor hitting a combat drone in midair and destroying it.

The new configuration, which is expected to serve as an aerial defense battery against maneuvering forces, is equipped with an integrated radar, an electro-optical payload, an advanced command and control system, and Python and Derby interceptors, all installed on one mobile vehicle.

According to Pini Yungman, head of Rafael's Air Defense Division, the system "provides a quality response while adapting to the complex threats in various arenas."

The test took place as Israel was fighting Hezbollah on the border with Lebanon, from where the Lebanese militant group had launched several explosive drones toward northern Israel, including one that caused minor damage to an Israeli military base on Tuesday. Enditem

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