German Navy Tests Israeli Ballistic Missile, Eyes Potential Purchase

The German Navy conducted a secret test of Israel's LORA ballistic missile in the North Atlantic Ocean, launching it from a frigate. This marks a significant step for Germany, which historically developed ballistic missiles about 90 years ago but was restricted from possessing them after World War II. The successful test, described by German Navy Commander Vice Admiral Christian Kaack as "writing naval history" and "exceeding anything we have known before," demonstrated the missile's long-range strike capability.

The LORA missile, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is a precision weapon with a range of several hundred kilometers, capable of hitting targets with an accuracy of within 10 meters. It can carry a warhead of approximately half a ton and travels at speeds exceeding 5,000 km/h. The missile can be launched from both naval and land platforms, weighing around 1,600 kilograms. Foreign reports indicate that India and Azerbaijan, which reportedly used it in the conflict with Armenia, have previously purchased the LORA.

An air-launched version, known commercially as the Air LORA, is also available and has reportedly been used by the Israeli Air Force to strike strategic targets in Iran. The German Navy's interest in the LORA is part of a broader rearmament initiative launched after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, aimed at deterring further Russian aggression. Germany currently relies on the Taurus cruise missile, launched from fighter jets, for long-range strikes.

NATO reportedly harbors concerns about Germany's missile capabilities, particularly in light of alleged Russian drone attacks targeting aircraft used for transporting military supplies to Ukraine from German airfields. The acquisition of the LORA could represent a new chapter in Germany's defense and deterrence capabilities at sea.