Germany considers game-changing Taurus missiles for Ukraine

Discussing the conditions of the deliveries, Merz reminded that our European partners are already supplying cruise missiles. He cited the British, French, and Americans as examples. He also emphasized that the delivery of the Taurus missiles must be agreed upon with other countries and will be carried out in consultation with European partners.

Merz also suggested that providing Ukraine with Taurus missiles could enable an attack on key Russian military targets in Crimea, including the Kerch Bridge. This bridge, about 12 miles long, is an important supply route for Russian forces and has previously been a target of Ukrainian attacks, The Kyiv Independent reports.

The Kerch Bridge, constructed after the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and completed in 2018, plays a crucial role in Russia's military logistics. Merz emphasized that Ukraine should go on the offensive to "shape events" and "take the initiative" on the battlefield.

The current chancellor, Olaf Scholz, blocked the delivery of Taurus missiles for fear of escalating the conflict. However, Merz criticized this stance and announced that the decision on deliveries may return to the political agenda once he takes office. It is not certain, however, whether his future coalition partners from the SPD will support this move.

Merz stressed that he is not calling for Germany's direct involvement in the war, but rather for arming Ukraine in a way that enables it to take the initiative. He emphasized that the deliveries must be coordinated with European allies who are already supplying Ukraine with cruise missiles.

The Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles are among the most advanced precision weapons available in the arsenals of European air forces. Developed by the German-Swedish company Taurus Systems GmbH, they are designed to carry out strikes on heavily defended and strategic targets deep within enemy territory. This type of weapon is equipped by, among others, the German Luftwaffe, Spanish Air Force, and South Korea, where it has gained a reputation as an extremely effective and difficult-to-intercept missile.

Taurus is an air-to-ground missile, approximately 16 feet long and weighing over 2,866 pounds. Its operational range reaches at least 311 miles, although unofficially it is said to have capabilities to hit targets as far as 373 miles away. The missile is powered by a turbojet engine, allowing it to travel at subsonic speeds and maintain a very low flight trajectory just above the terrain. This makes it exceptionally difficult for air defense systems to detect and shoot down. As a result, it can penetrate zones heavily defended by systems such as the Russian S-300 or S-400.

The key component of the Taurus is its warhead, weighing 1,058 pounds, designed with Mephisto technology (Multi-Effect Penetrator, Highly Sophisticated and Target Optimized). It is a specialized penetrating warhead capable of piercing thick layers of concrete or rock before detonation deep inside the target. This makes Taurus ideal for destroying command bunkers, missile silos, underground ammunition depots, or critical infrastructure, such as bridges, railway stations, or fuel depots.

For Ukraine, Taurus missiles could be a breakthrough offensive weapon in the war with Russia. Their long range would allow precision attacks on Russian logistical and command backbones situated beyond the reach of most systems currently used by Kyiv. Taurus missiles could strike airports, ammunition depots, and communication centers from a safe distance without exposing Ukrainian pilots to Russian air defenses. Especially since, as noted by The Telegraph, these missiles have a greater range than the Storm Shadow missiles provided by the United Kingdom and France, and ATACMS missiles given to Ukraine by the USA.