Germany tests Israeli long-range missile to strengthen deterrence against Russia

German Navy successfully tested the Israeli LORA missile system in the North Atlantic. After the test, Berlin plans to promote the purchase of long-range weapons for German frigates to strengthen deterrence capabilities against Russia.

The test was not previously publicized. For it, two German frigates were moved to an area of the Atlantic between Ireland and Iceland. Due to safety requirements, maritime and air traffic in the launch area was warned approximately 45 days in advance.

Germany's Chief of Navy, Jan Christian Kaack, called the successful launch a historic event for the German fleet. According to him, the test confirmed the possibility of using this system from German ships and significantly expands their available strike range.

Following the successful test, the German side intends to advance plans for the procurement of long-range missile weapons. According to dpa, this concerns the ability to engage targets at distances of over 500 km. The new system is intended to close one of the Bundeswehr's gaps in long-range precision weapons.

LORA is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed by Israel Aerospace Industries. It can be launched from both ground and naval platforms and is designed for precision strikes against distant stationary and mobile targets. The naval version is stored in sealed launch containers and requires minimal deck space.

If procured, LORA will become another long-range strike asset for the Bundeswehr alongside Taurus cruise missiles. However, unlike Taurus, which is launched from aircraft and flies to the target at low altitude, LORA uses a ballistic trajectory and can be launched directly from a ship.

German sources directly link the procurement plans for the new weapon to rearmament programs initiated after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Kaack stated that the test opens a "new chapter" for the Navy in deterrence and defense readiness for Germany and its allies.

In parallel, Germany is expanding other long-range capabilities. Berlin plans to purchase American Tomahawk cruise missiles and is also involved in the development of European long-range systems. Thus, LORA could become part of a broader program to equip the Bundeswehr with the capability to deliver precision strikes at significant distances.

Based on materials from: Die Zeit / dpa, n-tv, Israel Aerospace Industries