German Navy Conducts Launches of Israeli LORA Ballistic Missiles

The German Navy has successfully completed tests of the Israeli Naval LORA ballistic missile.

The manufacturer, IAI, announced this in a press release.

The missiles were launched from a German ship equipped with a command module and two launchers.

During the tests, both missiles followed their designated trajectories, reached their targets, and successfully struck them.

The tests were conducted as part of the Operational Experimentation (OPEX) program, which is part of the Navy’s Marine 2035 and Beyond development strategy.

Inspector of the German Navy Vizeadmiral Jan Christian Kaack called the tests a success.

If Berlin decides to procure the missile, LORA would become the first ballistic missile in the Bundeswehr’s arsenal in many years.

After World War II, West Germany operated several types of ballistic missiles, including the MGM-31 Pershing, MGM-31C Pershing II, and MGM-52 Lance. East Germany’s arsenal included the 9K72 Elbrus tactical ballistic missile, in particular.

LORA

LORA (Long-Range Artillery Weapon System) is a ballistic missile designed to strike major targets at long ranges.

The system can be deployed from mobile ground-based platforms or from ships in the Naval LORA configuration.

The missile weighs approximately 1,600 kg, is 5.2 m long, and has a diameter of 624 mm. Depending on the configuration, its stated range is between 90 and 430 km.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) developed the LORA through its MALAM missile division.

According to the CSIS, the first tests of the missile took place back in 2003, followed by test launches in 2004 and 2006. LORA is believed to have entered Israeli military service in 2007.

A separate development direction for LORA is its naval version, designed for launch from ships. In 2017, IAI successfully test-launched the missile from a maritime platform; in 2020, it conducted two test launches at ranges of 90 and 400 km.