Jerusalem, Aug 12 (IANS) Israel Sunday launched a week-long test of an alert system that sends text messages to cellphones in areas likely to be hit in a missile strike.

The system is expected to become operational within a month following tests by Israeli defence forces, Xinhua reported.

The system delivers area-specific warnings based on projections of incoming trajectory of an unguided rocket or ballistic missile.

The system is meant to offer more specific guidance to residents than existing air raid sirens.