Israel and the United States have carried out testing of a rocket intercept system known as David’s Sling that is being jointly developed by the two countries.

The Israel Missile Defense Organization along with the Pentagon’s Missile Defense Agency (MDA) performed the recent round of tests, with the MDA characterizing them Wednesday as successful against “threat representative targets.”

The David’s Sling Weapon System is designed to shoot down short- and medium-range rockets and missiles.

The testing of the Stunner interceptor in the system marked the third round. Israeli media reported the system could be ready for operations by next year.

Israel wants the system to counter rockets fired by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and Palestinian militants based in the Gaza Strip.

Israel’s Rafael is the prime contractor for David’s Sling while Raytheon [RTN] is a subcontractor.