Russia warns as Germany considers Taurus missiles for Ukraine
Russia has expressed concern over Germany's plans to deliver Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, emphasized that using these missiles against Russian targets would be considered direct German involvement in the conflict, according to Defense Romania.
Berlin is considering the delivery of Taurus missiles. This information was shared by Friedrich Merz, the future Chancellor of Germany, who noted that any such action would need to occur in coordination with European partners. Merz also suggested that these weapons could be used to attack targets like the Kerch Bridge, which connects Russia and Crimea. His predecessor, Olaf Scholz, was opposed to providing this weaponry to Ukraine.
Taurus missiles for Ukraine
The decision regarding the Taurus missiles met with a strong reaction from Moscow, which warned of possible consequences. Zakharova noted that deploying these missiles would require support from the German armed forces, and the Kremlin cautioned against escalation. Russia had previously voiced concerns about arms supplies to Ukraine, including American ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles. After Kyiv used them, Moscow responded by testing a new hypersonic missile, Oreshnik, recalls Defense Romania.
It is worth recalling that Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles are among the most technologically advanced weapons currently available in NATO arsenals. Created as part of a German-Swedish collaboration by Taurus Systems GmbH, they were designed to precisely destroy heavily protected targets far behind enemy lines.
Taurus missiles are stand-off class missiles that can be launched from aircraft such as the Tornado, Eurofighter Typhoon, and, with appropriate modifications, also from F-16s—the same planes Ukraine is receiving from Western allies. Their range is up to about 311 miles, allowing for strikes on strategic targets like bridges, command posts, fuel and ammunition depots, or airfields—without entering the range of Russian air defenses.
One of the key features of the Taurus missiles is their ability to operate at a very low altitude, allowing them to evade enemy radar and detection systems. The integrated navigation system relies on a combination of GPS data, an inertial system, and terrain mapping, enabling exceptionally precise strikes even under satellite signal jamming conditions. The Mephisto-type warhead, weighing about 1,058 pounds, is designed to penetrate thick layers of concrete or earth, enabling the Taurus to destroy even well-fortified underground facilities.
