Germany Successfully Tests Israeli LORA Missile, Eyes Billion-Euro Deal

The German Navy conducted a successful, secret test of the Israeli LORA ballistic missile in the maritime zone between Ireland and Iceland overnight. Two German frigates participated in the demonstration, during which the missile was launched from an operational vessel and struck its target with maximum precision.

Following the successful test, Germany is expected to advance its acquisition of the system in a deal estimated at one billion euros. This move comes amid a European arms buildup and concerns over potential conflict with Russia, according to Channel 12 News.

German Navy Inspector Jan Christian Kaack stated that this marks a naval milestone, proving the system's potential operational range exceeds all previous expectations. "This is a naval history that proves the potential operational range of the system exceeds anything seen before," he said.

Boaz Levy, Chairman of the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), congratulated the achievement, calling it an unprecedented success that enhances Germany's defense and deterrence capabilities and strengthens its special partnership with Israel, the birthplace of the first ballistic missile.

The LORA missile, an acronym for Long Range Attack, is produced by IAI and weighs approximately 1.6 tons. It has a range of up to 500 kilometers and carries a warhead weighing between 440 and 600 kilograms. The system is launched from a container, allowing for rapid deployment from ships, and is equipped with a guidance system that integrates GPS with an accuracy of about 10 meters. The missile was previously sold to Azerbaijan and was used in the war with Armenia.