Germany Successfully Tests Israeli Ballistic Missile in North Atlantic

Germany successfully tested an Israeli ballistic missile in the North Atlantic overnight, military officials said on Wednesday.

The test of what officials said was a LORA missile built by Israel Aerospace Industries came hours after Berlin publicly blamed Russia for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month. Germany ordered measures in response to the drone attack. Western powers are scrambling to acquire long-range weapons to counter what they see as an increased threat from Russia.

Germany does not currently have ballistic missiles, which fly at much higher speeds than the cruise missiles in its arsenal. The Israeli-built LORA system has a range of up to 500 km (310 miles), Germany's defence ministry said. Berlin is engaged in multinational collaborations aimed at developing long-range missiles and is also looking at options to buy such weapons.

Navy chief Jan Christian Kaack said the test was a success. Kaack stated their units can successfully deploy the system, and its potential range exceeds anything they have seen before. He added that "In terms of protecting Germany and our allies, this test marks a new chapter in deterrence and maritime defence readiness." The German Navy conducted the live-fire trial of IAI’s Naval LORA ballistic missile as part of its Marine 2035 OPEX initiative.

The missile launched from an operational German vessel comprising a command trailer and a launcher. The missile navigated its course to the target and hit it with precision. Both the weapon system and the missile successfully met all trial objectives. Boaz Levy, IAI’s Chairman, called it an unprecedented achievement for IAI and the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

Levy noted the trial demonstrates Israel’s technological strength and the unique cooperation between Israel and Germany. Germany is also working on an upgraded version of its Taurus cruise missile, its only weapon with a range of several hundred kilometers, with production scheduled to start in 2029. The upgraded Taurus NEO missile will feature an extended range, improved shielding against interference, and advancements in navigation and seeker head technology, according to a budget document.