Spain Air Force plans to equip next-gen Eurofighters with Taurus missiles.

According to information published by Infodefensa on April 29, 2024, the Spanish Air Force has told a conference that it wants to integrate Taurus missiles into its future Eurofighter fighters.
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Installation of a Taurus missile on an F-18 combat aircraft by the Spanish Air Force. (Picture source Spanish MoD)

Developed by Taurus Systems, a joint venture between MBDA Germany and Saab Dynamics, the Taurus KEPD 350 is designed for deep penetration of hardened targets and precision strikes at long ranges.

The Taurus KEPD 350 is a long-range, air-to-surface missile with a range exceeding 500 kilometers, which allows it to engage targets far beyond enemy air defenses, minimizing risks to the launch platform.

It is equipped with a dual-stage warhead, MEPHISTO (Multi-Effect Penetrator, HIgh Sophisticated and Target Optimised), weighing approximately 481 kg, capable of penetrating deep into fortified structures such as bunkers and command centers.

The missile employs an advanced guidance system that integrates GPS, Inertial Navigation System (INS), and Terrain Reference Navigation (TRN), ensuring high accuracy even in GPS-denied environments. This system enables the missile to navigate complex terrains at low altitudes, enhancing its stealth capabilities and survivability against modern air defense systems.

The integration of the Taurus KEPD 350 missile into the Eurofighter Typhoon involves several key technical and engineering challenges. This process primarily revolves around ensuring compatibility between the missile's systems and the Eurofighter's hardware and software frameworks.

One of the main focuses has been to assess and ensure the aerodynamic compatibility of the Taurus missile with the Eurofighter. This includes detailed testing to evaluate the effects of the missile on the aircraft's handling characteristics, especially given the missile's significant size and weight.

The missile's integration also requires modifications to the Eurofighter's weapon systems, including updates to the aircraft's fire control systems and software. These modifications enable the aircraft to effectively target, launch, and guide the missile to its target.

This integration ensures that the missile's deployment is seamlessly controlled from the cockpit, with pilots being able to rely on the Eurofighter's advanced targeting systems to deliver the missile accurately.

To control the missile post-launch and to receive real-time data, enhancements to the aircraft's data link capabilities are necessary. This allows for better communication between the missile and the aircraft during flight, enabling adjustments to the missile’s flight path as required based on evolving battlefield conditions.

With the Taurus missile, the Eurofighter gains a stand-off capability that allows it to strike deep within enemy territory without having to penetrate dense air defense systems. This capability is crucial for disabling high-value targets early in a conflict, which can cripple an adversary’s ability to respond effectively, thereby increasing the chances of achieving air superiority.

Defense News April 2024