Germany Secretly Tested the Israeli LORA Ballistic Missile in the North Atlantic

Classified Test in the North Atlantic

On the night of 2 September 2026, the German Navy successfully tested the Israeli-made LORA ballistic missile in the waters of the North Atlantic. According to the Tagesspiegel, two German frigates were deployed to the maritime area between Ireland and Iceland to carry out the launches. Preparations for the test were conducted largely in secret, although shipping and air traffic in the launch zone were officially notified 45 days in advance.

As German Navy Inspector General Jan Christian Kaak stated, “the successful launch of a ballistic missile last night in the North Atlantic has gone down in the history of the navy.” In his words, the system's potential range “exceeds everything we knew before,” making the launch a landmark achievement for the Berlin-based fleet.

What Is LORA and Why Does Berlin Need It

LORA is a ballistic missile developed and produced in Israel and used by that country on multiple occasions in practice. The key advantage of the system is that the missiles are supplied in launch containers, which allows them to be deployed relatively quickly from ship platforms without extensive infrastructure preparation. The stated range exceeds 500 kilometers.

If LORA is procured, the German armed forces will have a second rapid-response means of striking land targets at long range. The first such system is already the Taurus cruise missile, which is in service with the Bundeswehr. Thus, the ballistic trajectory of LORA will complement the cruise missile arsenal and expand the range of scenarios available for striking coastal targets.

Accelerating Arms Programs

According to the publication, the successful launch will be a reason for Germany to accelerate its plans to acquire the LORA system. The procurement of this system, it is emphasized, will be part of the arms programs launched after the start of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine and aimed at deterring Moscow. For Berlin, this means not only technological diversification but also a strengthened position within the European security architecture.

Contradictory Data

The available materials contain a number of nuances worth noting. On the one hand, the test is described as “secret” and “classified”; on the other, civilian shipping and aviation were notified in advance, 45 days ahead, which in fact rules out the complete concealment of the operation. Moreover, the range figure of “over 500 km” and the characterization of the launch as the navy's “first in history” rely primarily on statements by German military officials and the Tagesspiegel publication, while independent verification of the technical parameters is limited at this stage. Ukrainian media outlets (RBC, UNIAN, Korrespondent) are reporting the same version without offering alternative assessments of the range or the launch date.