Germany finalizes decision to withhold Taurus missiles from Ukraine

Germany will not provide Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles, which the authorities in Kyiv have been seeking for several months. Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that the decision on this matter should be treated as final. We explain what this weapon is.

Germany is among the countries providing the most weapons to the front, but on the topic of strengthening the defenders' army with Taurus cruise missiles, German politicians have not shown unanimity from the very beginning.

After many discussions, the opinions of opponents of such a transfer apparently prevailed. According to "The Guardian," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that Taurus cruise missiles would not reach the front "even if other countries decide otherwise" about similar weapons.

"Germany has made a clear decision about what we will do and what we will not do. This decision will not change," said Scholz, quoted by "The Guardian."

Taurus cruise missiles are among the most advanced weapons available to the German armed forces. A length of 5 metres characterizes them. They weigh approximately 1,400 kilograms, of which about 500 kilograms is allocated to the MEPHISTO (Multi-Effect Penetrator, Highly Sophisticated and Target Optimised) warhead with high destructive power and interesting design. Depending on the target and the attackers' needs, the warhead of this cruise missile can be detonated like a classic high-explosive shell or, with a delay, effectively eliminating underground enemy positions (e.g., bunkers).

At the same time, it is a weapon made with stealth technology and has a range of over 500 kilometres. Some German politicians emphasized this last issue as an "argument against the transfer to the front." There were concerns that German cruise missiles would attack targets in Russia, which could contribute to escalating the ongoing conflict. It was also suggested that it was such an advanced weapon that German soldiers would have to be sent to operate it to support the Ukrainians.

It is worth noting that Ukraine already has other long-range missiles. The United States and some European countries have decided to provide this type of arsenal to the front. For example, British Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which are called "victory weapons" by Ukrainians. They enabled several attacks on important Russian targets, including bridges and a shipyard in occupied Crimea. Twin SCALP-EG cruise missiles are being supplied to Ukraine by France.