Germany declines to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine, Scholz confirms

Germany has confirmed it will not supply Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles. In a recent press conference, Chancellor Olaf Scholz put an end to the speculation about the matter. Some outlets have perceived this decision as a reversal of previous statements. Here, we delve into the characteristics of this weapon.

"Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we've committed over 28 billion euros in support. We've supplied tanks and anti-air defense systems, among others. However, regarding the weapon you've mentioned, my stance remains unchanged," Olaf Scholz responded to a journalist's inquiry about the possibility of sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

The potential delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine has sparked extensive debate for several months. In August 2023, Germany hinted at a possible agreement with the United States to send these missiles to Ukraine, coinciding with the US providing ATACMS missiles to the front lines.

Ukrainians have been utilizing the latter missiles (those with a range of 99 miles) and are gearing up to receive more shipments, including variants with extended ranges. This development has led to renewed inquiries directed at German officials. Previous explanations resurface, with Olaf Scholz expressing that deploying Taurus cruise missiles in Ukraine would necessitate the involvement of German soldiers, a scenario Berlin is unwilling to endorse.

The contemplated range of these missiles has elicited concern from certain German politicians. Taurus cruise missiles are capable of hitting targets up to 310 miles away, theoretically enabling Ukraine to launch strikes deep inside Russia.

Developed by the Swedish-German consortium TAURUS Systems GmbH, Taurus missiles are air-to-ground cruise missiles launched from modified aircraft. They embody advanced stealth technology and are equipped with MEPHISTO warheads (Multi-Effect Penetrator, Highly Sophisticated and Target Optimised). The missile weighs approximately 1102 pounds, and it reaches around 3086 pounds in weight. Taurus can explode as a conventional fragmentation bomb or with a timed delay.

Despite Germany's hesitations, some allies are supporting Ukraine with long-range missiles, including the United States and several European nations. The United Kingdom has supplied Storm Shadow cruise missiles to the front lines, and France has contributed SCALP-EG missiles. Ukrainian forces have modified their Su-24M bombers to carry these weapons.