German SPD rejects call to arm Ukraine with Taurus missiles
In the draft of its program for the early elections, the German SPD party has rejected the possibility of transferring Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. We review the characteristics of this weapon, which Kyiv believes would significantly strengthen the Ukrainian army.
2:01 PM EST, December 16, 2024
The potential transfer of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine is a subject of heated discussions between Kyiv and Berlin and within Germany itself. It is considered a significant issue that has caused a political crisis in Germany. Reluctance to transfer this weapon to Ukraine has been repeatedly expressed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whom the SPD party cites in its draft program.
They don't want to transfer Taurus missiles to Ukraine
"We uphold Chancellor Olaf Scholz's decision not to supply Taurus cruise missiles from the Bundeswehr's reserves," it was stated in the SPD party's electoral program draft, as quoted by newspapers from the Funke media group.
The Taurus is a German-Swedish long-range cruise missile designed with stealth technology, making it difficult to detect. This is one of its key features, along with a range of about 300 miles, which would allow Ukraine to target sites even on Russian territory.
These missiles have a length of about 16 feet and weigh around 3,100 lbs, with just over 1,100 lbs being the MEPHISTO (Multi-Effect Penetrator Highly Sophisticated and Target Optimized) warhead, known for its high destructive power and versatile capabilities. It can be detonated like a conventional fragmentation explosive missile or after penetrating a user-specified number of obstacles, which is why Taurus missiles are often referred to as "bunker busters."
Long-range missiles in Ukrainian hands
Some allied countries are supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons and have already lifted restrictions on attacking targets deep inside Russia. This includes the United States (ATACMS ballistic missiles), the United Kingdom, and France. Gael Veyssiere, the French ambassador to Ukraine, announced at the beginning of December this year that his country intends to continue supplying Ukraine with long-range SCALP-EG cruise missiles.
Meanwhile, the SPD party states that it supports actions such as training Ukrainian soldiers, as well as supplying weaponry and equipment, but with "caution and a sense of proportion." The potential transfer of Taurus cruise missiles is presented as an action that could cause Germany and NATO to become parties to the war in Ukraine.
