China has announced the success of a missile interception test conducted from land. The test, conducted within its territory late on Wednesday, "achieved the preset goal", according to a statement posted on the website of the Ministry of National Defense.

Military authorities provided no other information about the operation.

China has already successfully completed two mid-course land-based missile interception tests, in 2010 and 2013, both of which "attained preset objectives."

By developing the ability to intercept incoming warheads such as ballistic missiles, it is hoped that the tests can help strengthen China's air defense.

It is reported that such interception technology requires sophistication in information processing, reconnaissance, early warning, transportation of weaponry, guidance and precision.

Analysts say the strategic importance of mid-course land-based missile interception could be compared to that of atomic and hydrogen bombs and man-made satellites.

Missiles can be intercepted in three stages of their trajectory: boost phase, mid-course phase or terminal phase.