German Navy Successfully Tests Israeli LORA Ballistic Missile

The German Navy successfully conducted a highly classified test of the Israeli LORA ballistic missile from a frigate in the North Atlantic Ocean between Tuesday and Wednesday. The test aims to significantly increase the navy's missile range and close a gap in long-range precision weapon capabilities.

During the exercise, conducted in the maritime area between Ireland and Iceland, the missile developed and manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) was successfully launched. The LORA missile has a range exceeding 500 kilometers.

Commander of the German Navy, Jan Christian Kaack, stated, "With the successful launch of a ballistic missile tonight in the North Atlantic Ocean, we have made naval history. I am very pleased with this achievement." Following the successful test, Germany intends to accelerate plans to acquire the Israeli system, which allows for rapid deployment on ships and the ability to strike strategic targets deep within enemy territory within approximately ten minutes of identification.

Commander Kaack further explained the importance of the move in light of regional threats: "The system can be successfully deployed from German ships, and its potential range exceeds anything we have known before. For the defense of Germany and our allies, this test represents a new chapter in deterrence and naval defense readiness."

These steps are part of Germany's extensive rearmament plans to deter Russia, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine. As part of closing the strategic gap, the German government also intends to purchase and deploy American Tomahawk missiles with a range of up to 2,500 kilometers. This deal, agreed upon on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Ankara, will allow Germany to reach deep into Russian territory, including Moscow, which is approximately 1,600 kilometers from Berlin. Germany is also working with European allies to develop independent European systems.