LORA missile test reveals limits of Germany’s Gaza criticism of Israel
The German navy tested Israel’s LORA ballistic missile as Berlin considers acquiring the system, deepening defense ties with Israel despite criticism of the Gaza war.
The German navy tested an Israeli-developed naval ballistic missile Tuesday night as Berlin weighs a possible purchase, strengthening defense ties with Israel despite sharp German criticism of its conduct in Gaza.
The long-range artillery weapon system, known as LORA, was successfully launched from a German warship in the North Atlantic, between Ireland and Iceland, according to Reuters.
Berlin, which does not have ballistic missiles, is considering acquiring LORA, according to German media reports, as part of a broader push to strengthen Germany’s long-range missile capabilities and defenses in response to the Russia-Ukraine war. A statement issued by the German navy after the test said that its units “can successfully deploy the system, and its potential range exceeds anything we have seen before.”
In a statement Wednesday, the German navy said the Israeli system “exceeds anything we have known before,” adding that the test marked “a new chapter in deterrence and defense readiness at sea” aimed at protecting Germany and its allies.
