Germany Tests Israeli LORA Missile as It Weighs €1 Billion Deal

The German Navy overnight Tuesday into Wednesday successfully tested Israel’s LORA ballistic missile in the North Atlantic, as it evaluates the system ahead of a possible purchase. The test, whose details had until now been kept under wraps, could pave the way for a deal estimated at roughly €1 billion.

Two German frigates were deployed for the test in the waters between Ireland and Iceland. Most of the preparations were kept secret, though a warning for ship and aircraft traffic in the area was issued about 45 days before the launch. According to Israel Aerospace Industries, the missile was launched from an operational German naval vessel equipped with the command vehicle and launcher.

Two scenarios were tested. In both, the missile was launched on its trajectory, navigated toward its target, and struck with maximum precision. Israel Aerospace Industries said the weapons system and the missile successfully met all the objectives set for the test.

German Navy Inspector Jan Christian Kaack described the launch as a milestone for the fleet: "With the successful launch of a ballistic missile last night in the North Atlantic, we made naval history. I am very pleased with this achievement."

Kaack said the test proved that the system can be successfully operated from German ships and that its potential range "exceeds anything we have seen before." According to him, "For the defense of Germany and its allies, this test marks a new chapter in deterrence and readiness for naval defense."

The test comes amid the broad military buildup Germany has been advancing since Russia launched its war against Ukraine. Berlin is seeking to expand its strike and deterrence capabilities as allies grow increasingly concerned about Russian aggression. If the deal goes ahead, LORA will join the long-range weapons systems already available to the German military.

Germany is also one of Israel’s key defense trade partners, and it recently signed a deal for the Arrow 3 defense system. Now, another Israeli system may become part of Germany’s arsenal.

Israel Aerospace Industries Chairman Boaz Levy welcomed the test results: "An unprecedented achievement for Israel Aerospace Industries and the Ministry of Defense. A successful test of a LORA missile launched from a ship that struck its target with exemplary precision. The test was conducted overnight in Germany, the country where the world’s first ballistic missile was invented."

"The test demonstrates Israeli strength and the special cooperation with Germany," Levy added. "An achievement that joins the Arrow 3 system deployed on German soil, completes Germany’s defense and deterrence capability, and strengthens the deep partnership with Israel."

LORA, an acronym for Long Range Attack, is a ballistic missile developed and manufactured in Israel by Israel Aerospace Industries. The missile was previously sold to Azerbaijan and played a significant role in its war with Armenia. According to various reports cited in the original source, the IDF has also used it several times in Lebanon, and in its air-launched version against Iran as well.

The missile is stored in a launch container, allowing it to be deployed relatively quickly from naval platforms as well. It weighs about 1.6 tons, is 5.2 meters long, and has a diameter of 624 millimeters. Its range is between 90 and 430 kilometers, and it carries a warhead weighing 440 to 600 kilograms. Its guidance system combines GPS, and its stated accuracy is about 10 meters.

Israel Aerospace Industries markets LORA as a tactical system for precision strikes, capable of hitting "strategic targets deep inside enemy territory" from mobile land-based or naval launchers. According to the company, any identified target within the system’s range can be destroyed within 10 minutes.