Germany Successfully Tests Israeli Ballistic Missile in North Atlantic

Germany has successfully test-fired an Israeli-built ballistic missile in the North Atlantic, according to military officials. The test, conducted overnight, involved a LORA missile manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries and is seen as a significant step in Berlin's efforts to acquire long-range strike capabilities.

The announcement came just hours after Germany publicly accused Russia of being behind an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month and said it had ordered countermeasures.

Germany currently lacks ballistic missiles, which travel at far higher speeds than the cruise missiles in its arsenal. The LORA system has a range of up to 500 kilometers, the defence ministry confirmed.

Navy chief Jan Christian Kaack hailed the test as a success. "Our units can successfully deploy the system, and its potential range exceeds anything we have seen before," he said. "In terms of protecting Germany and our allies, this test marks a new chapter in deterrence and maritime defence readiness."

Berlin is involved in several multinational projects to develop long-range missiles and is also exploring off-the-shelf purchases. In parallel, Germany is working on an upgraded version of its Taurus cruise missile, currently its only weapon with a range of several hundred kilometers. The Taurus NEO will feature extended range, improved shielding against electronic interference, and upgraded navigation and seeker head technology, according to budget documents.

German forces hold around 600 Taurus missiles, which can be launched from fighter jets like the Tornado, F-15, or F-18. The weapon, built by European defence firm MBDA, is designed to strike high-value targets behind enemy lines, including command bunkers, supply depots, airfields, and bridges.