Adem Seneman*
Following Russia’s attack on Ukraine, one of the most debated topics has been the German-made MBDA Taurus KEPD 350 missiles. This long-range missile system has occasionally led to diplomatic tensions between Ukraine and Germany. Recently, Christian Democratic Union leader Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become Germany’s next Chancellor, brought up these missiles again with his statements. Merz declared, “I am giving Putin an ultimatum! End the war within 24 hours, or I will provide Ukraine with Taurus missiles.” This statement indicated that Merz might adopt a Ukraine policy closer to the UK and the US compared to his predecessor, Scholz.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz, however, worries that if Taurus missiles are sent to Ukraine, they could be used on Russian soil, potentially leading to direct tensions between Germany and Russia and further escalating the war. Thus, the proposal to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine was rejected in the German parliament with votes from Scholz and Social Democrat MPs.
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had also pressured Germany to supply these missiles to Ukraine, but his efforts were unsuccessful. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles would mean direct warfare with NATO, highlighting how significant Taurus missiles could be in the course of the conflict.
In response to the discussions surrounding Taurus, the CEO of MBDA, Thomas Gottschild, mentioned that “production might be disrupted” due to insufficient orders. This statement was likely a strategic move to ease political pressure on Germany. Production did not stop, however, and discussions resumed with Merz’s statements.
So, can Taurus missiles truly alter the course of the war, or are they merely a tool for political leverage?
Technical Specifications and Advantages of Taurus
Used by the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) and developed by MBDA, the Taurus KEPD-350 is a modern, effective missile system. Known for its long range and radar-evading capabilities, this missile was initially produced for Tornado and EF-18 aircraft and later adapted for Eurofighter and F-15K jets. While MBDA claims that the Taurus can also be adapted for F-16s and F-35s, some experts argue that a redesign may be needed specifically for the F-35.
The Taurus KEPD-350 is five meters long and weighs approximately 1.4 tons, reaching a speed of 1,170 kilometers per hour (727 miles per hour). This speed, close to the speed of sound, allows the missile to strike targets quickly and effectively. Its 500-kilometer range enables it to hit strategic targets behind the front lines. The missile’s ability to fly at low altitudes (around 35 meters) helps it evade radar and reach deep into enemy lines, providing a strategic advantage.
The missile’s advanced navigation system guides it towards its target. Using image sensors, it can navigate by referencing geographical features such as bridges, rivers, or intersections. Additionally, it continuously measures its movement to determine its position, enabling it to reach its target even in complex terrain. Primarily designed to destroy enemy command centers and reinforced concrete bunkers, the Taurus dives vertically upon reaching its target, piercing through exterior walls. A 400-kilogram metal penetrating warhead breaches the outer concrete walls and penetrates several layers before the main explosive activates, creating a devastating effect.
However, the Taurus is also costly. Each missile has a unit price of around €1 million (approximately $1.1 million). The German military (Bundeswehr) possesses a total of 600 Taurus missiles, with 150 to 300 potentially ready to be sent to Ukraine. Nevertheless, technical adjustments may be needed to make these missiles compatible with the aircraft used by Ukraine, which requires time and expertise.
Potential Uses and Limitations for Ukraine
Ukraine already possesses similar long-range missiles, the Storm Shadow from the UK and the Scalp from France, but the Taurus’s longer range could offer a strategic advantage. Nonetheless, there is speculation that Germany might limit the range of the Taurus missiles sent to Ukraine. The Berlin administration is concerned that Ukraine could use these missiles to target sites within Russia, further escalating the war. However, with reduced range, the Taurus missiles could be less effective against Russian lines spread across hundreds of kilometers along the front.
Fully ranged Taurus missiles could be more effective in targeting Russian supply lines, command centers, energy hubs, and logistics centers behind the battle lines. Yet, the wide front line, dispersed command centers, and logistics centers composed of smaller units would make using each Taurus missile, costing over $1 million, an expensive endeavor. Additionally, for Ukraine to strike deep strategic targets, it would have to bypass Russian air defense systems.
In conclusion, the tactical effectiveness of Taurus missiles is undeniable; however, they alone are unlikely to be a “game changer” in the war. The impact of Taurus may be more significant within the realm of political discourse than on the battlefield itself.
Adem Seneman is an investigative journalist and security analyst based in Belgium.
