The German Navy has completed two operational firing trials of Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) Naval Lora ballistic missile, a step toward its potential procurement.
Once operational, the Naval Lora will enhance the navy’s strike capabilities with a maximum range of 430 kilometers (267 miles), more than twice that of any other naval missile currently in German service.
The missile was launched from an operational German vessel equipped with a Naval Lora command trailer and launcher. German media later identified the vessel as the Sachsen-Anhalt, a Type 125 frigate.
“Under both scenarios, the missile was launched to its trajectory, navigated its course to the target, and hit it with utmost precision,” IAI stated in a press release.
“Both the weapon system and the missile successfully met all the trial’s objectives.”
“We made naval history with the successful launch of a ballistic missile in the North Atlantic last night,” German Navy Chief Vice Adm. Jan Christian Kaack said.
“The system can be successfully deployed from our units, and its potential range exceeds anything we have known before. For the protection of Germany and our allies, this test marks a new chapter in deterrence and maritime defense readiness.”
The trial was part of the Operational Experimentation initiative, which promotes rapid testing of new technologies under realistic conditions. Earlier systems successfully tested under the initiative, including IAI’s BlueWhale underwater system, were later introduced into regular navy service.
Naval Lora
A naval version of the operational Lora missile, the Naval Lora provides maritime precision strike capability through a dedicated launcher configuration for sea-to-shore and sea-to-sea engagements. The system comprises a long-range ballistic missile, launcher, and command-and-control system.
The missile carries a high-explosive warhead and has a reported circular error probability of 10 meters (33 feet) across its range.
IAI says it uses Global Navigation Satellite System and Inertial Navigation System-based navigation and can be launched from unprepared positions within minutes. Targets within range can reportedly be engaged within 10 minutes of the launch decision.
