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ConflictGerman Navy secretly tests Israeli Lora ballistic missile system
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The German Navy has successfully completed a previously secret test of the Israeli Lora ballistic missile system in the North Atlantic, between Ireland and Iceland. The test, conducted from two German frigates, was kept largely confidential, though ship and air traffic was warned 45 days in advance. Inspector of the Navy Jan Christian Kaack hailed the launch as 'naval history,' stating the system's range 'exceeds everything we have known so far.' Lora, which stands for 'Long Range Attack,' is a ballistic missile developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) with a range of over 500 kilometers. It is provided in a launch container for rapid deployment on ships. The procurement is part of Germany's armament programs initiated after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, aimed at deterring Russia. If acquired, Lora would give the Bundeswehr a second rapidly available weapon for engaging distant land targets, alongside the Taurus cruise missile. Unlike Taurus, which flies low following terrain, Lora follows a ballistic trajectory, rising steeply and descending quickly toward its target. The manufacturer promotes it for precision strikes against strategic targets deep in enemy territory.
Source report
Source: -/IAI/dpa
The German Navy is moving forward with plans to acquire missiles capable of striking targets more than 500 kilometers away, following a largely secret but successful test of the Israeli Lora missile system in the North Atlantic.
Successful Test in the North Atlantic
A German frigate conducted the previously undisclosed trial of the Lora system between Ireland and Iceland. Two frigates were deployed to the area for the test, and while preparations were kept largely confidential, ship and air traffic received public warnings 45 days in advance.
"With the successful launch of a ballistic missile last night in the North Atlantic, we have made naval history. I am highly satisfied with this achievement," said Inspector of the Navy Jan Christian Kaack to the German Press Agency.
'A New Chapter in Deterrence'
Kaack confirmed that the system can be successfully deployed from German ships, adding that "the potential range exceeds everything we have known so far."
"For the protection of Germany and our allies, this trial represents a new chapter in terms of deterrence and defense readiness at sea," he explained.
About the Lora Missile System
- Name: Lora stands for "Long Range Attack"
- Type: Ballistic missile, classified as short-range under arms control categories
- Origin: Developed and produced by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
- Deployment: Provided in a launch container for rapid onboard installation
- Trajectory: Rises steeply, follows a ballistic path, then steers steeply and quickly toward the target
- Capability: Designed for precision strikes against "strategic targets deep in enemy territory"
Strategic Context
The procurement is part of armament programs initiated after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, intended to deter Russian aggression. Concerns among allies about potential Russian aggression have grown, fueled by recent incidents such as the failed attack at Leipzig Airport, which the German government attributed to Russia on Tuesday.
Comparison with Taurus Missile
If acquired, Lora would give the Bundeswehr a second rapidly available weapon for engaging distant land targets, alongside the Taurus cruise missile:
| Feature | Lora | Taurus | |---------|------|--------| | Range | Over 500 km | Over 500 km | | Launch platform | Ship-based | Tornado and Eurofighter aircraft | | Flight profile | Ballistic trajectory | Terrain-following flight |
Taurus approaches targets by flying close to the ground following terrain contours, while Lora ascends steeply, follows a ballistic arc, and descends rapidly toward its target.
Source
Nachrichten - WELTWestern
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German Navy tests Israeli Lora ballistic missile in secret North Atlantic operation, hailed as naval history