German LORA Missile Test
Germany Tests Israeli LORA Missile and Plans Procurement to Enhance Defense
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Key Points
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Discrepancy in reported LORA range: IAI states the Long Range Artillery Weapon System has a 400 km range with 10-meter accuracy, while German officials have cited a range of up to 500 km.
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Deployment details included two German frigates deployed to waters between Ireland and Iceland for a secret test in the North Atlantic.
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An Israeli Navy submarine, INS Drakon, was reported en route to Israel from Germany around the time of the test, underscoring broader security cooperation tied to the event.
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The test occurred in a broader context in which Germany does not currently possess ballistic missiles, highlighting the strategic aim to expand long-range capabilities; the effort intersects with Taurus NEO upgrades planned for production starting in 2029.
Germany successfully tested the Israeli-made LORA ballistic missile in the North Atlantic, marking the first time the German Navy has fired such a weapon from a ship. Bloomberg reported that a frigate named Sachsen-Anhalt launched the missile in what a top German admiral called "a new chapter in Europe's deterrence against Russia." Germany now plans to move forward with procuring the system as it bolsters long-range strike capabilities amid heightened concerns about Russian aggression.
The test demonstrated the LORA's ability to hit targets with high precision from German naval platforms. Times of Israel noted that Israel Aerospace Industries built the LORA missile, and officials said the range exceeds 400 kilometers. The procurement push reflects Germany's effort to expand its long-range arsenal, particularly as it weighs upgrades to its Taurus missiles and plans a new Taurus NEO variant starting in 2029.
Germany's First Ballistic Missile Test at Sea
The German Navy conducted the test using two frigates deployed to waters between Ireland and Iceland. Aviation Week reported the launch came from an F125-class frigate and represents Germany's response to lessons learned from Russia's war in Ukraine. The missile successfully reached its target, demonstrating the capability Germany had previously lacked—a shipboard ballistic weapon system.
German officials kept the test secret with traffic restrictions in place during the operation. Daily Sabah confirmed that the LORA missile was built by Israel Aerospace Industries and reported a range of up to 500 kilometers, though the manufacturer states 400 kilometers with 10-meter accuracy. The secrecy surrounding the test underscores Berlin's commitment to advancing deterrence capabilities quietly amid European security concerns.
Closing Russia's Long-Range Advantage Over Europe
Germany currently possesses no ballistic missiles, leaving it vulnerable to Russia's growing arsenal of long-range weapons. The LORA acquisition addresses this strategic gap. Times of Israel reported that Germany intends to move forward with procurement after the successful test. The move signals Berlin's determination to narrow the capability gap with Moscow, particularly after Ukraine's experience with Russian strikes.
The test also reflects broader European efforts to acquire longer-range weapons and expand deterrence options. Seeking Alpha noted that Germany is increasing defense spending as part of this wider push. Berlin is simultaneously developing the Taurus NEO missile, an upgraded version with expanded range and updated technology scheduled for production starting in 2029.
Israeli Submarine Visit Underscores Growing Security Ties
An Israeli Navy submarine, INS Drakon, was reported en route to Israel from Germany around the time of the LORA test. Daily Sabah highlighted this movement as part of broader security cooperation between the two nations. The submarine's presence in German waters reinforces the deepening military partnership tied to the weapons system demonstration and procurement discussions.
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