Germany has taken another step toward potentially acquiring IAI’s Naval Lora weapon after the German Navy conducted two operational firing tests of the ballistic missile. The system is being evaluated as a means of expanding the navy’s long-range strike capabilities. Naval Lora has a maximum reported range of 430 kilometers (267 miles), which is more than twice the range of any other naval missile currently in German service. During the tests, the weapon was fired from an operational German naval platform fitted with a Naval Lora launcher and command trailer. German reports later identified the firing vessel as Sachsen-Anhalt, a Type 125 frigate. The trials were conducted under Germany’s Operational Experimentation program, which focuses on quickly assessing new technologies in realistic operational environments before possible wider deployment. The program has already been used to evaluate other systems, including IAI’s BlueWhale underwater platform, which later entered regular German Navy service. Naval Lora is derived from the operational Lora missile but is configured specifically for maritime use. It is designed to provide precision engagement capability for both sea-to-shore and sea-to-sea missions. The complete system consists of the ballistic missile, a dedicated launcher, and a command-and-control system. The missile is equipped with a high-explosive warhead and has a reported circular error probability of 10 meters (33 feet) throughout its range. IAI describes the weapon as using navigation based on both Global Navigation Satellite System and Inertial Navigation System technologies. The system is designed to be launched from unprepared locations within minutes, supporting rapid response requirements. According to the manufacturer, an engagement can be conducted within approximately 10 minutes after a launch decision is made against a target within range.
