Germany invests €2.1 billion in Taurus Neo missile upgrade

In an interview with the "Der Spiegel" newspaper, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed plans to acquire Taurus Neo missiles. The cost of this project could reach up to 2.1 billion euros, and the German army is expected to receive up to 600 of these missiles.

The specifications of the Taurus Neo are currently unknown, but it will likely be an upgraded version of the well-known Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles. This long-range weapon can attack targets up to 310 miles away. Developed with stealth technology, these missiles measure approximately 16 feet long and are equipped with 1,100-pound MEPHISTO warheads (Multi-Effect Penetrator, Highly Sophisticated and Target Optimised). Depending on the target, the warhead can be detonated like a classic fragmentation-explosive missile or with a delay.

It is unclear what improvements will be featured in the Taurus Neo. Some speculate that the new version may offer range, accuracy, and efficiency enhancements in evading enemy air defence systems. Eurofighter Typhoon jets are expected to serve as carriers for the Taurus Neo missiles.

Ukrainian authorities have been seeking long-range cruise missiles for months. London and Paris have responded to their appeals by providing Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG cruise missiles, with ranges estimated at approximately 310 miles.

While Berlin is one of Ukraine's major allies, Germany has taken a different stance on this type of weapon. Most German politicians believe that supplying Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles could lead to further escalation of the ongoing conflict, particularly if Ukraine uses them to target locations within Russia. Additionally, it has been suggested that the effective operation of Taurus cruise missiles would require German soldiers to be present in Ukraine, a scenario deemed unacceptable by Berlin.