TEHRAN (AFP) - A defiant Iran on Wednesday test-fired an improved version of its Sejil 2 medium-range missile which it says can reach targets inside Israel, prompting a sharp rebuke from Britain. It hit the defined target, state television reported, without giving further details. The two-stage Sejil, powered by solid fuel, is capable according to Iran of travelling 2,000 kilometres, which would put arch-foe Israel, most Arab states and parts of Europe, including much of Turkey, within range. Iranian Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi said Wednesdays test was aimed at bolstering the Islamic republics defences and insisted missiles would not be used for offensive purposes. The missile test that we witness today is one ring of our defence capability chain in line with increasing the armed forces deterrent power, Vahidi was quoted as saying by the Fars news agency. Irans missile capability, he added, is merely defensive and for peace, stability and calm in the region and will not be used against any country. Vahidi said the latest version of the Sejil was impossible to destroy due to the very high speed at which it hits the ground. It also has anti-radar capability. The US and its regional ally Israel have not ruled out a military option to stop Tehrans controversial nuclear drive. In late Sept. the Islamic republic test-fired the previous version of Sejil 2 (Lethal Stone) and along with another similar-range weapon, the Shahab-3, and a host of shorter-range missiles as part of a military exercise. The tests which came ahead of key talks between Iran and six world powers in Geneva drew the ire of the West, with Washington describing them as provocative.