German Taurus missile plans stir tension with Russia over Ukraine
Russia has expressed concern over Germany's plans to deliver Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, emphasized that using these missiles against Russian targets would be regarded as direct German involvement in the conflict, reports Defense Romania.
Berlin is considering delivering Taurus missiles, according to Friedrich Merz, the future Chancellor of Germany, who noted that it would have to be coordinated with European partners. Merz also suggested that such weapons could be used to attack targets like the Kerch Bridge, which connects Russia and Crimea. His predecessor, Olaf Scholz, was opposed to providing this weaponry to Ukraine.
Taurus missiles for Ukraine
The decision regarding the Taurus missiles was met with a strong reaction from Moscow, which warned of possible consequences. Zakharova noted that deploying these missiles would require support from the German armed forces. The Kremlin cautioned against escalation. Russia had previously voiced concerns about arms supplies to Ukraine, including American ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles. After Kyiv used them, Moscow responded by testing a new hypersonic missile, Oresznik, recalls Defense Romania.
It's worth noting that Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles are among the most technologically advanced weapons currently available in the arsenals of NATO countries. Developed as part of a German-Swedish collaboration by Taurus Systems GmbH, they were designed to precisely target heavily protected sites far behind enemy lines.
Taurus missiles are stand-off class missiles that can be launched from aircraft like the Tornado, Eurofighter Typhoon, and with appropriate modifications, also from F-16s—the same planes Ukraine is receiving from Western allies. Their range is up to about 500 kilometres, allowing for strikes on strategic targets such as bridges, command posts, fuel and ammunition depots, or airfields—without needing to enter the range of Russian air defences.
One key feature of the Taurus missiles is their ability to operate at very low altitudes, allowing them to evade enemy radar and detection systems. The integrated navigation system relies on a combination of GPS data, an inertial system, and terrain mapping, enabling exceptionally precise strikes even in conditions of satellite signal jamming. The Mephisto-type warhead, weighing about 480 kilograms, is designed to penetrate thick layers of concrete or earth, allowing the Taurus to destroy even well-fortified underground facilities.
