The German Navy has completed a successful dual operational firing trail with IAI’s Naval Lora ballistic missile, as part of its Operational Experimentation (OPEX).
The missile was launched from an operational German vessel that comprises a command trailer and a launcher. Under both scenarios, the missile was launched to its trajectory, navigated its course to the target, and hit it with utmost precision. Both the weapon system and the missile successfully met all the trial’s objectives.
The Bundeswehr Navy launched OPEX, a groundbreaking initiative to pave the way toward its ‘Marine 2035 and Beyond’ plan. In so doing, it has signaled its determination to actively address both present and future security-relevant threat situations. OPEX is the German Navy’s ‘toolbox’ for promoting innovation, and for testing new approaches and technologies quickly and comprehensively, under conditions that are as realistic as possible.
The LORA is an all-weather, surface-to-surface Long-Range Artillery Weapon System combining precision, range, and lethality. Capable of striking strategic targets deep in enemy territory from mobile or maritime platforms, it delivers high explosive warheads with a CEP of 10 m, using a shaped trajectory flight mode and sealed canister for low maintenance, enabling rapid strikes within minutes
NAVAL LORA is a combat-proven weapon system with accumulated operational experience, provides a maritime precision strike through a dedicated naval launcher configuration for sea-to-shore and sea-to-sea engagements. The system comprises a long-range ballistic missile, a unique launcher and a command-and-control system.
The Naval LORA is a containerized, long-range tactical ballistic missile system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to deliver precision strikes from maritime platforms.
It has a range of 90 km to 430 km (with extended capabilities demonstrated in recent trials)
Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 10 meters across its entire range.
The missile weighs 1,600 kg , and is 5.2 meters long with a diameter of 624 mm
It is guided by GPS/INS navigation The Naval version is sealed in a protective canister that requires minimal deck space on ships, turning standard vessels into impromptu missile carriers.
According to IAI it can be launched within minutes from the command decision with an all-electric drive and solid-state electronics setup
The LORA has ground and air-launched versions.
IAI’s Chairman: “This is an unprecedented achievement for IAI and the Israeli Ministry of Defense. The successful trial of the LORA missile, launched from a naval vessel and striking its target with exceptional precision, took place overnight in Germany – the country where the world’s first ballistic missile was developed. This trial demonstrates Israel’s technological strength and the unique cooperation between Israel and Germany. It marks another significant achievement alongside the deployment of the Arrow 3 system on German soil, further strengthening Germany’s defense and deterrence capabilities and deepening the strategic partnership between our two countries.”
Guy Bar Lev, IAI’s CEO: “Israel Aerospace Industries is proud to take part in strengthening the strategic cooperation between the State of Israel and the Government of Germany. This significant milestone is underscored by the operational live-fire exercise (OPEX) of the LORA system, one of the world’s most advanced and combat-proven ballistic missile systems.
Author: Arie Egozi
