Germany Plans to Acquire Israeli LORA Missile System After Successful Test

The German Navy has successfully completed a test of the Israeli-made LORA ballistic missile, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The missile was launched from a German vessel in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ireland and Iceland, as part of a test that reportedly involved two warships and was conducted under a veil of secrecy.

Following the successful test, the German Navy announced that plans to acquire the LORA system will be advanced. German Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack described the test as a milestone, stating that the system's potential range "exceeds anything we have known so far." He added that the system can be successfully operated from German ships and represents a new chapter in Germany's and its allies' maritime deterrence and defense capabilities.

The LORA (Long Range Artillery) system is a precision ballistic strike system developed by IAI, capable of hitting high-value targets deep within enemy territory and can be launched from naval platforms. Reports indicate the tested system can strike targets up to approximately 500 kilometers away, with previous IAI tests reporting accuracy of around 10 meters or better.

This development is seen as a significant step for Germany, which currently does not possess operational ballistic missiles of this type. The test occurs amid Germany's accelerated rearmament and growing concerns in Berlin about the Russian threat. Germany is also advancing other long-range strike capabilities and upgrading its Taurus cruise missiles.

The potential acquisition could further deepen defense cooperation between Israel and Germany. Berlin has previously purchased Israel's Arrow 3 missile defense system, with a deal expanded in January to over $6.5 billion in total.