Secret German missile tests conducted between Iceland and Ireland

The German navy has secretly tested an Israeli long-range missile in waters between Iceland and Ireland, in what the report describes as the first launch of a ballistic missile by Germany’s naval forces.

The weapon was the LORA missile, short for Long-Range Artillery. The article describes it as a powerful and precise system capable of striking distant targets. The tests took place south of the line historically identified during the Cold War as the GIUK gap.

Two missiles were launched from the German frigate Sachsen-Anhalt, or F224. The launches came only a few hours after German authorities said Moscow was responsible for a failed drone attack at Leipzig airport. Germany said Russia had attempted a so-called hybrid attack on the country on Aug. 4.

The timing of the tests, the article says, was not accidental. It also notes that cruise missiles are more common weapons aboard ships, making the launch significant for the German navy.