Berlin's missile dilemma: Russia warns over Taurus delivery
Russia has expressed concern over Germany's plans to deliver Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, emphasised that using these missiles against Russian targets would be considered direct German involvement in the conflict, reports Defense Romania.
Berlin is considering the delivery of Taurus missiles. This information was shared by Friedrich Merz, the future Chancellor of Germany, who noted that it would need to occur in coordination 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 warns of possible consequences. Zakharova noted that deploying these missiles would require support from the German armed forces. The Kremlin warns 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, Oreshnik, recalls Defence Romania.
It is worth noting that Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles are among the most technologically advanced weapons currently available in NATO countries' arsenals. Developed as part of a German-Swedish collaboration by Taurus Systems GmbH, they were designed for precisely destroying heavily protected targets far behind enemy lines.
Taurus missiles are stand-off class missiles that can be launched from aircraft such as 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 the need to enter the range of Russian air defences.
One of the key features of the Taurus missiles is their ability to operate at a very low altitude, 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, enabling the Taurus to destroy even well-fortified underground facilities.
