German navy successfully tests Israeli Lora missile system in the North Atlantic

“Its potential range exceeds everything we have known so far,” the German navy said after secretly testing Israel’s Lora missile system in the North Atlantic.

A German frigate completed the test successfully, a navy spokesman said. Navy Inspector Jan Christian Kaack told the dpa news agency that German ships could successfully deploy the system. He also described the test as a historic moment for the navy, saying, “With the successful launch of a ballistic missile last night in the North Atlantic, we have made naval history.” Kaack said he was highly satisfied with the performance.

“

Its potential range exceeds everything we have known so far.

The navy now plans to advance procurement plans for weapons with a range of more than 500 kilometers. Two German frigates moved into waters between Ireland and Iceland for the trial. Preparations remained largely secret, although authorities publicly warned shipping and air traffic 45 days before the test.

“

With the successful launch of a ballistic missile last night in the North Atlantic, we have made naval history.

Kaack framed the trial as part of Germany’s effort to strengthen deterrence and maritime defense. “To protect Germany and our allies, this trial opens a new chapter in deterrence and defense readiness at sea,” he said.

Lora, developed and produced in Israel, is a ballistic missile carried in a launch container that can be deployed relatively quickly from ships. Its name stands for Long Range Attack, though arms-control categories classify it as a short-range ballistic missile. The proposed purchase would join weapons programs launched after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Alongside the Taurus cruise missile, Lora would give the Bundeswehr another rapidly available weapon for striking distant land targets. Taurus has an officially stated range of more than 500 kilometers and is carried by Tornado and Eurofighter aircraft.

“

To protect Germany and our allies, this trial opens a new chapter in deterrence and defense readiness at sea.