Does Ukraine get Taurus missiles from Germany? Pistorius responds

"Germany would not deliver its long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine despite a wave of recent Russia air attacks and a renewed request from Kyiv," the defense minister stated.

Taurus cruise missile

TAURUS (Target Adaptive Unitary & Dispenser Robotic Ubiquity System) is a high-tech, long-range air-to-surface cruise missile.

It is designed for the precise destruction of well-protected or deeply buried high-value targets. The missile can effectively strike both pinpoint targets and those dispersed over large areas.

Depending on the variant, Taurus missiles can be launched from aircraft, ships, or ground platforms. The airborne version allows targets to be hit without requiring the aircraft to enter enemy air defense zones.

The missile's warhead is built to penetrate tough obstacles such as thick concrete and dense soil layers.

Thanks to this, the Taurus can effectively destroy fortified underground facilities, including reinforced concrete bunkers and shelters.

Taurus for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has repeatedly voiced his intention to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine for strikes on Russian territory.

Earlier in July, he did not rule out the possibility of transferring the weapon to Ukraine.

However, in June, Pistorius stated that Berlin was not considering supplying these missiles.

Vladimir Putin expressed strong dissatisfaction with the potential transfer of Taurus to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and called for renewed dialogue with Merz.