Eyeing Russia and Iran, Berlin and Jerusalem Share Naval Capabilities

Amid acts of Russian sabotage throughout Europe, NATO announced Wednesday that Germany completed a test launch of an Israeli-made ballistic missile in the North Atlantic. The test followed Tuesday’s transfer of a German-made submarine to Israel as the two countries continue increasing their defense ties.

The moves come as Washington continues to press Berlin and other European allies to “take primary responsibility for the defense of Europe” while dangerously reducing America’s military force posture on the continent. For Israel, increasing its ability to project naval power will bolster deterrence as it faces continued threats from Tehran.

Germany Expands Offensive Capabilities While Israel Increases Maritime Power

Germany’s test launch was of the Israeli-made Long-Range Artillery Weapon System (LORA), which is a precision-strike tactical ballistic missile launched from the ground or sea and is capable of engaging targets from 90 km to 430 km. The test reportedly involved two missiles being fired from the F125 frigate Sachsen-Anhalt. According to Bloomberg, German Vice-Admiral Jan Christian Kaack stated that the test “marks a new chapter in deterrence and defense readiness at sea” for Germany and its allies. German efforts to field greater long-range strike capabilities are part of Berlin’s larger defense revival, which has seen Berlin translate more of its economic power into increased defense spending and fielding combat capabilities.

Meanwhile, Israel’s third German-made Dolphin II-class submarine departed Germany’s Kiel shipyard for Israel on September 1. The departure was accompanied by an unspecified “security operation” alongside German security forces according to the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), possibly alluding to the LORA missile test.

Notable for its air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, which allows for significantly longer submersions, the Dolphin II can reportedly travel thousands of miles on the surface and hundreds of miles submerged. The submarine can launch cruise missiles and torpedoes. The IDF announcement noted that this would be Israel’s sixth submarine overall, and Israeli Naval Commander Maj. Gen. Eyal Harel stated that the INS Dragon will operate “far from home,” an apparent reference to potential operations near Iran. 

Germany and Israel Continue Increased Defense Cooperation   

At the INS Dragon’s departure, IMOD Deputy Director General and Head of the Directorate of Operations Ze’ev Landau stated that the two countries were “entering a new chapter in cooperation.” The growing defense ties between Berlin and Jerusalem include the 2025 German purchase of the Israeli Arrow 3 ballistic missile interceptor in a $3.6 billion defense deal. Then, in February 2026, the German Army and Israeli Ground Forces signed their first cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening collaboration and knowledge sharing on doctrine, training, and professional development.

This deepening cooperation comes at a time of increased threats for both nations. Europe faces increasing Russian aggression, including a series of drone incursions along NATO’s eastern flank. Most recently, Berlin attributed an August 4 attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport to Moscow as part of the Kremlin’s larger hybrid and sabotage campaign against Europe. Meanwhile, Israel remains on high alert regarding threats from Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza.

U.S. Needs Capable Partners To Counter Adversaries

China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are pursuing increasing levels of cooperation, exacerbating threats to American interests, allies, and partners. This Axis of Aggressors demonstrates that America’s adversaries appreciate the value of partners. Washington should, too.

Ensuring that allies and partners such as Germany and Israel retain the ability to defend themselves against shared adversaries is essential to countering the Axis and protecting American interests. But these acquisitions are not enough. Washington should work with Berlin, Jerusalem, and other allies and partners to address acute munitions shortages while bolstering the U.S. defense industrial base and that of allies in Europe and elsewhere.

Likewise, Washington should encourage increased cooperation among its allies and partners by establishing a Frontiers of Freedom Forum to distribute combat-proven technology and lessons learned in American, Ukrainian, and Israeli combat operations to their military forces and to other partners, including South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and NATO allies.

Justin Leopold-Cohen and Cameron McMillan are senior research analysts at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ (FDD’s) Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP). For more analysis from the authors and CMPP, please subscribe HERE. Follow Justin on X @jleopoldcohen. Follow FDD on X @FDD and @FDD_CMPP. FDD is a Washington, DC-based, nonpartisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy.