Successful Trial in the North Atlantic
Germany has successfully completed a trial of an Israeli-built ballistic missile in the North Atlantic, military officials confirmed on Wednesday. The test involved a LORA missile manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which was launched as part of the German Navy's Operational Experimentation program.
According to IAI, the missile "was launched to its trajectory, navigated its course to the target, and hit it with utmost precision." The German Navy chief, Vice-Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, called the launch a success, stating that the system's potential range "exceeds anything we have seen before." He added that the test "marks a new chapter in deterrence and maritime defence readiness."
The Israeli-built system has a range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles), according to Germany's defence ministry. Germany does not currently possess ballistic missiles, which travel at significantly higher speeds than the cruise missiles in its arsenal.
Strategic Context and Responses
The test came just hours after Berlin publicly blamed Russia for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month and ordered measures in response. Western powers have been seeking to acquire long-range weapons to counter what they perceive as an increased threat from Russia.
Kaack described the successful launch as making "naval history" and expressed great pleasure in the achievement. "For the protection of Germany and our allies, this test represents a new chapter in terms of deterrence and defense readiness at sea," he said.
IAI Chairman Boaz Levy called the trial an "unprecedented achievement for IAI and the Israeli Ministry of Defense." He noted that it "demonstrates Israel's technological strength and the unique cooperation between Israel and Germany," marking "another significant achievement alongside the deployment of the Arrow 3 system on German soil." Guy Bar Lev, IAI's CEO, also expressed pride in the partnership, saying the trial underscored the strategic relationship between the two countries.
Germany's Existing Long-Range Capabilities
Germany is currently working on an upgraded version of its Taurus cruise missile, which is its only weapon with a range of several hundred kilometers, with production scheduled to start in 2029. According to a budget document, the upgraded Taurus NEO missile will feature an extended range, improved shielding against interference, and advancements in navigation and seeker head technology.
German forces have about 600 Taurus missiles with an official range of more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) in their inventories. The Taurus, built by European defence company MBDA, can be launched from fighter jets such as the Tornado, the F-15, or the F-18. It is designed to destroy targets behind enemy lines such as command bunkers, ammunition and fuel dumps, airfields, and bridges.