Ukraine to Receive Taurus Cruise Missiles from Germany if Russian Bombing Persists.

On October 14, 2024, Friedrich Merz, German opposition leader and head of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), expressed conditional support for sending Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. According to Merz, this delivery should only be considered if Russia’s bombing campaign in Ukraine continues.
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Artist rendering about the Taurus Cruise Missile . (Picture source: @ChuckPfarrer)

Friedrich Merz proposed a two-step approach: first, lifting the restrictions on the missile’s range, and second, proceeding with delivery to Kyiv. His statement underscores the growing pressure on Germany to bolster Ukrainian defense while balancing delicate diplomatic considerations with Russia.

With a range of 500 kilometers and a 495 kg warhead, the Taurus KEPD 350 missile would provide Ukraine with valuable capability to strike high-value targets. However, its potential use raises concerns over escalation. Germany hesitates to authorize its deployment, fearing Ukraine may target sensitive areas, such as the Kerch Bridge. Additionally, integrating this missile into Ukrainian forces would require technical modifications to Ukrainian aircraft, adding another layer of complexity to the potential transfer.

The Taurus missile, known specifically as the Taurus KEPD 350, stands as a testament to the collaboration between MBDA Deutschland GmbH (previously known as LFK) and Saab Dynamics AB. This joint venture, under the banner of Taurus Systems GmbH, led to the creation of one of the world's most advanced cruise missiles. Designed with a specific purpose in mind, the Taurus missile is adept at penetrating robust air defenses to strike high-value targets. This makes it an ideal choice for both pre-planned missions and unexpected targets of opportunity.

When it comes to its technical specifications, the Taurus missile boasts an impressive range of approximately 500 km, which translates to about 310 miles. It travels at subsonic speeds and is equipped with a dual-stage warhead, specifically engineered to neutralize hard and deeply buried targets. For its navigation, the missile relies on a combination of GPS/INS for its mid-course trajectory and employs an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker for precise terminal guidance.

In terms of deployment, the Taurus missile has been integrated into various aircraft platforms. Notable mentions include the Panavia Tornado and the Eurofighter Typhoon. Its excellence hasn't gone unnoticed on the global stage, leading to its export to several countries.

Since its entry into service in 2005, the Taurus missile, developed through cooperation between Taurus Systems GmbH, MBDA Deutschland GmbH, and Saab Dynamics AB, has established itself in the arsenals of several countries, including Germany, Spain, and South Korea. Known for its ability to penetrate dense air defenses, it is particularly suitable in high-intensity environments where sophisticated defensive networks are deployed.

Given Germany’s reluctance to supply Taurus missiles directly to Ukraine, an alternative has emerged in discussions with the United Kingdom. This plan would allow Germany to transfer Taurus missiles to the UK, which could then send more Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine. Inspired by NATO’s "Ringtausch" initiative, this proposal has faced notable opposition, particularly from Marie-Agnès Strack-Zimmermann, chair of the Bundestag’s Defense Committee, who emphasizes the importance of the Taurus missiles for Germany’s own defense.

Germany’s caution is rooted in broader strategic concerns. Chancellor Olaf Scholz highlighted on October 5 the importance of avoiding any escalation, stating that Germany aims to manage the conflict responsibly. The complexities surrounding the Taurus underscore the interplay of military, diplomatic, and technical factors in Germany’s support for Ukraine.

Ukraine currently uses several types of cruise missiles supplied by allies, most notably the Storm Shadow from the United Kingdom and SCALP-EG from France. Both missiles are air-launched, long-range precision systems with a range of around 250 km, equipped with advanced guidance systems that combine GPS, inertial navigation, and imaging infrared (IIR) for terminal accuracy. These missiles are primarily used to strike heavily defended targets such as ammunition depots, command centers, and logistics hubs behind Russian lines, allowing Ukrainian forces to impact operations far from the frontlines.

The Taurus KEPD 350, developed by Germany and Sweden, would add further capabilities due to its extended range (500 km) and enhanced penetration capabilities. Unlike Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG, Taurus features a dual-stage warhead specifically designed to destroy fortified and deeply buried targets, making it ideal for high-value Russian infrastructure and strategic points, such as heavily protected command bunkers. Additionally, Taurus can be programmed to adjust its flight path, allowing it to navigate around air defense systems more effectively and maintain low-altitude trajectories to evade detection.

Taurus missiles would thus extend Ukraine’s strike range, especially toward critical sites in Crimea and possibly into Russian territory, allowing a greater impact on logistical routes and reducing Russian forces' operational flexibility. This potential capability would add significant deterrence value, forcing Russia to disperse or enhance the defenses of crucial assets and raising the strategic cost of their operations in Ukraine. However, Germany’s hesitancy to supply Taurus due to concerns over escalation with Russia remains a key barrier in the ongoing discussions about strengthening Ukraine's cruise missile capabilities.