Germany tests ballistic missile for first time in Atlantic exercise
Germany has tested a ballistic missile for the first time during an exercise in the North Atlantic on the night of Wednesday, September 2, the German Defense Ministry announced.
The missile was the Lora, produced by Israeli company Israel Aerospace Industries, with a range of up to 430 kilometers.
The test was successfully completed, according to the German Defense Ministry. If Berlin decides to purchase the system, Lora could become the first ballistic missile operated by the Bundeswehr, Reuters notes, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.
German Navy Inspector Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack described the test launch as a success.
“From the perspective of protecting Germany and our allies, this test marks a new chapter in deterrence and operational capability in the naval domain,” the official said.
Preparations for the Lora missile test in the Atlantic were kept secret. According to Israeli publication Vesty, air and maritime traffic in the area had been restricted approximately a month and a half before the launch.
The missile test comes amid concerns in Berlin about a potential threat from Russia. According to Reuters, the launch took place just hours after German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt accused Russia of being behind an attempted act of sabotage involving a drone carrying explosives at Leipzig Airport.
Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced restrictive measures in response, including the closure of Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn.
According to DW, the missile test is part of efforts by Germany and other Western countries to expand their military capabilities with long-range weapons, efforts that have intensified following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Bundeswehr currently operates Taurus cruise missiles, developed by Germany and Sweden, with a range of more than 500 kilometers. The missiles are launched from fighter aircraft, and the German military has approximately 600 of them.
Germany is also working on a modernized version of the Taurus missile, with production expected to begin in 2029.
Unlike cruise missiles, ballistic missiles reach considerably higher flight speeds and primarily follow a ballistic trajectory after the initial launch phase.
Photo: Chat GPT
