Germany Eyes Israeli LORA Missile After Successful Test

Germany is reportedly moving forward with plans to purchase Israel's LORA ballistic missile system following a successful test conducted by the German Navy. The German publication Bild reported that the government intends to acquire the missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometers, in a deal worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The German Navy commander praised the Israeli missiles, stating their range "exceeds anything we have known so far."

During the test, two LORA missiles were launched from the German frigate Sachsen-Anhalt in the sea between Ireland and Iceland, with both reportedly hitting their targets. This marks a significant development for the German Navy, as it currently lacks ballistic missiles of this type in its arsenal. Germany already possesses Taurus cruise missiles with a comparable range, but these are launched from aircraft and fly at low altitudes, unlike the LORA, which attacks from high angles after gaining altitude.

The potential acquisition comes amid heightened tensions between Germany and Russia, following Germany's accusation on September 2 that Moscow was behind a drone found with explosives at Leipzig airport. Bild suggested that the LORA purchase is part of Germany's rearmament program aimed at deterring Russia, citing concerns about potential aggression from "warmonger Vladimir Putin."

The LORA, described by its manufacturer Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) as a high-precision tactical missile, has been used by the Israeli military in Lebanon and Iran. The initial deal with Germany is expected to focus on the naval version of the missile, though future deals are possible. The missile has combat experience, including in recent conflicts between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh.

This potential deal would further strengthen Germany's defense cooperation with IAI, which has already supplied Germany with the Arrow 3 missile defense system in a $6.5 billion deal, Israel's largest ever defense export. Germany is also pursuing American Tomahawk missiles and European long-range missile systems.