German Navy successfully tests Israeli Lora missile system

The German Navy plans to significantly extend the range of its missiles after a frigate successfully tested Israel's Lora missile system in the North Atlantic in a previously undisclosed operation, a Navy spokesman said.

Germany now plans to advance preparations to procure the missiles, which have a range of more than 500 kilometres.

Two German frigates were deployed to waters between Ireland and Iceland for the test. Preparations were largely kept secret, although shipping and air traffic in the area were warned 45 days before the test.

"With the successful launch of a ballistic missile last night in the North Atlantic, we have made naval history. I am extremely pleased with this achievement," Navy chief Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack told dpa.

The system could be successfully deployed from German ships and its potential range "exceeds anything we have known before," he said. He added that the test marked "a new chapter in deterrence and defence readiness at sea" to protect Germany and its allies.

Lora is a ballistic missile developed and produced in Israel and repeatedly used by the country. Its launcher is designed for relatively rapid deployment on board ships.

Lora significantly expands Navy's capabilities

The purchase of the system would be part of a series of defence programmes launched after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, aimed at deterring Moscow.

Allies are increasingly concerned about possible Russian aggression, fuelled in part by recent drone attacks such as the one at Leipzig airport. The German government on Tuesday blamed Russia for the failed attack.

Lora stands for "Long-Range Artillery." Based on its range, the missiles are classified under arms-control categories as short-range ballistic missiles.

With Lora, the German armed forces would have a second readily deployable weapon alongside the Taurus cruise missile for striking targets on land at greater distances.

The Taurus also has a range of more than 500 kilometres, according to official figures. The cruise missile is carried by Tornado and Eurofighter fighter jets.

Taurus can approach its target using terrain-following flight, flying at low altitude while following the contours of the ground. Lora, by contrast, rises steeply into the sky, follows a ballistic trajectory and then descends steeply and at high speed towards its target.

Missile designed to hit 'strategic targets deep in enemy territory'

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the manufacturer, markets the system as a tactical missile for precision strikes, saying it is capable of hitting strategic targets deep in enemy territory from mobile or maritime platforms. Any identified target within range can be destroyed within 10 minutes, the company says.

According to various reports, the Israeli military has repeatedly used the missiles in attacks in Lebanon and, in an aircraft-launched version, against Iran.

The German armed forces have a capability gap when it comes to longer-range precision weapons. To deter Russia, the German government also plans to buy US-made Tomahawk intermediate-range missiles and station them in Germany.

The Tomahawk deal was finalized with the United States on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara. The missiles have a range of up to 2,500 kilometres, putting targets deep inside Russia within reach from Germany. Moscow is about 1,600 kilometres from Berlin by air.

At the same time, Germany is working with European allies to develop its own long-range weapons.