NEW YORK (JTA) — Israel’s test of a missile defense system was declared a “major milestone” in its efforts to establish viable barriers to a missile strike.

The test of a joint Israeli-American system was conducted Friday morning over the Mediterranean Sea, CNN reported. A statement from the Israeli Defense Ministry said the test “provides confidence in operational Israeli capabilities to defeat the developing ballistic missile threat.”

The test comes amid mounting speculation that Israel will launch a pre-emptive strike on Iranian nuclear facilities within the year. Israeli officials said the test had been scheduled more than a year ago.