German Armed Forces Sign Modernization Contract for TAURUS Cruise Missiles.

On December 20, 2024, MBDA announced that the German Armed Forces have signed a pivotal contract with TAURUS Systems GmbH to maintain and modernize the TAURUS cruise missile system. This project, referred to as "Basic Overhaul 2," is designed to ensure the operational readiness of the weapon until at least 2045. It marks a significant step in maintaining and enhancing Germany's stand-off strike capabilities in line with evolving military needs.
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TAURUS KEPD 350 air-launched cruise missile mounted on a German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon, showcasing its integration with modern fighter jets for long-range precision strike missions. (Picture source: MBDA)

MBDA, a multinational leader in missile systems, is a key player in this modernization effort. Formed as a joint venture by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, MBDA specializes in developing cutting-edge missile solutions for air, land, and naval forces worldwide. With operations in several countries and an extensive portfolio of defense products, MBDA has consistently demonstrated its ability to design, produce, and maintain high-performance weapon systems. Its collaborative role within TAURUS Systems GmbH, a joint venture with SAAB, highlights MBDA’s commitment to enhancing the operational capabilities of its partner nations. The company’s expertise is a driving force behind the modernization of the TAURUS missile, ensuring its continued relevance on the modern battlefield.

The TAURUS cruise missile is an advanced stand-off weapon classified as a long-range, air-launched cruise missile. Designed for precision strikes against high-value, heavily defended, or fortified targets, it exemplifies the capabilities required for contemporary and future conflicts. The missile is equipped with a sophisticated dual-stage warhead system, comprising a pre-charge and main charge designed to penetrate hardened structures such as bunkers and reinforced command centers. Its navigation system combines GPS-aided inertial navigation, terrain reference navigation, and advanced sensors to ensure high accuracy, even in contested environments where GPS signals might be jammed.

With a range exceeding 500 kilometers, the TAURUS missile enables strike aircraft to engage targets from safe distances, far beyond the reach of most enemy air defense systems. This range, coupled with its stealthy design and low flight profile, makes the missile highly survivable against detection and interception. The TAURUS is capable of being launched from multiple platforms, most notably fighter jets like the Eurofighter Typhoon and Tornado, which are in service with the German Air Force. Its compatibility with a range of modern aircraft ensures flexibility and ease of integration into existing air combat strategies.

The modernization program will further enhance these capabilities, ensuring the missile can counter the increasingly sophisticated threats posed by emerging air defense technologies. This effort not only maintains the operational readiness of the TAURUS system but also underscores its strategic importance to Germany and NATO’s collective defense framework. By securing this capability, Germany ensures its armed forces retain the ability to project power effectively, deter adversaries, and fulfill its commitments to alliance-wide security efforts.

Through this initiative, MBDA and its partners at TAURUS Systems GmbH continue to demonstrate their leadership in the field of advanced weapon systems. With its precision, range, and survivability, the TAURUS cruise missile remains a cornerstone of Germany’s stand-off weapon capabilities, poised to meet the demands of modern and future combat scenarios.