Germany will develop upgraded Taurus missiles: Specifications

According to the outlet, the Bundeswehr currently has around 600 Taurus missiles with a range of over 500 km, launched from Tornado, F‑15, or F‑18 fighter jets. These missiles, produced by MBDA, are designed to strike heavily protected targets behind the front line — command posts, ammunition depots, airfields, and bridges.

Germany has repeatedly refused to transfer Taurus missiles to Ukraine over concerns that they could be used against targets on Russian territory, given their long range.

What is known about the new Taurus NEO missile

The upgraded Taurus NEO version is expected to have:

• Extended flight range;

• Improved protection against electronic jamming;

• Enhanced navigation;

• A new seeker head.

The development budget amounts to 415 million euros, and the overall procurement plan includes about 600 new missiles worth up to 2 billion euros.

The main subcontractors will be Sweden’s Saab and the US company Williams International. Sweden and Spain may also join the program.

It is noted that Moscow has already warned Berlin that potential missile deliveries to Kyiv "would trigger a new round of escalating tensions."

Transfer of Taurus missiles to Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has repeatedly expressed his intention to provide Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles for strikes on Russian territory. In early July, the German head of government did not rule out transferring this weaponry to Ukraine.

At the same time, Pistorius, during a visit to Kyiv in June, stated that Berlin is not considering supplying these missiles to Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is highly dissatisfied with the potential delivery of Taurus missiles for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and has called for the resumption of dialogue with Merz.