Germany plans €2 billion purchase of hundreds of Taurus NEO cruise missiles
Photo: Germany will purchase Taurus NEO cruise missiles worth over 2 billion euros (Getty Images)
Germany has signed a contract to deploy production of Taurus NEO cruise missiles. TAURUS Systems, a joint venture of MBDA and SAAB, has received an order to prepare a production line for the serial manufacture of the new missiles, according to an MBDA press release.
It is noted that once the contract is implemented, Germany plans to launch the production of large batches of Taurus NEO missiles domestically, which will significantly enhance the strike capabilities of the Bundeswehr and strengthen Europe's overall defense potential.
"With Taurus NEO, Germany is specifically building up its state-of-the-art deep strike capabilities, thereby providing a critical contribution to the deterrence capabilities of Europe and NATO," said Thomas Gottschild, MBDA Group's executive director for strategy.
According to the company, work on developing new technologies has already begun under a contract for the maintenance and modernization of Taurus missiles signed in December 2024. This is expected to ensure the fastest possible readiness of the first Taurus Neo systems.
The new contract also provides for:
- the development of advanced technological capabilities;
- the expansion of production capacity;
- preparations for large-scale serial production.
According to estimates, Germany plans to procure up to 600 Taurus NEO cruise missiles with a total value of approximately €2.1 billion.
Taurus NEO
As a reminder, we previously reported that Germany plans to launch production of the modernized Taurus cruise missiles in 2029.
The modernized Taurus NEO version is expected to feature:
- an extended range;
- improved protection against electronic interference;
- enhanced navigation;
- a new homing warhead.
The development budget is estimated at €415 million, while the overall procurement plan includes around 600 new missiles worth up to €2 billion.
Media reports note that the modernization of Taurus will include a new engine, which could potentially lift export restrictions and open the way for transferring these missiles to Ukraine.
Despite this, the main reason Germany has not yet transferred Taurus missiles to Ukraine remains the limited number of missiles available and the absence of active production.
