i24news - The test disrupted flight patterns at Ben Gurion airport, requiring take-off and landings to shift north

A white trail of smoke was visible over central Israel Friday morning as the Ministry of Defense conducted a surprise missile test, launching a rocket from a military base just south of Tel Aviv.

�The defense establishment conducted a launch test a few minutes ago of a rocket motor system from a base in the center of the country,� the ministry said. �The test was scheduled in advance and was carried out as planned.�

The launch from the military base in Palmochim was reportedly testing a missile propulsion system, which could be used to carry either defense missiles such as the Arrow 3 or attack missiles like the Jericho 3, said to have a range of 2,000 kilometers, capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

The advanced missiles recently upgraded by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) require a great deal of thrust to reach beyond the atmosphere and carry a large warhead. A similar experiment was conducted about a year and a half ago.

The test disrupted flight patterns at Ben Gurion airport, and required all take-off and landing to be moved away from the southern side.

The test caused a stir in the Jewish state, as citizens are conditioned to run for shelter as a result of regular rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip.

Later Israel media reports suggested the test was meant to be a show of force, as part of the Jewish state's nuclear deterrent system, especially aimed at Iran.