Germany is to modernise its Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missile inventory, almost 20 years after fielding the standoff-range weapon.
Announced by the Bundeswehr on 19 December, the upgrade will maintain the missile’s capabilities, with work to commence during 2025. The contract was signed by Berlin’s BAAINBw procurement agency and the Taurus Systems joint venture between MBDA and Saab Dynamics.
“In addition to maintenance, the system will receive technological upgrades to meet the increasing demands placed on modern weapon systems,” MBDA says. “The measures will ensure the weapon’s operational readiness until at least 2045,” it adds.
The German air force currently employs the roughly 1,400kg (3,090lb) precision-guided missile with its Panavia Tornado interdictor strike platform, having introduced the capability in 2005. The Bundeswehr notes that “preparations are currently underway for use with the Eurofighter”; the last of the Luftwaffe’s Tornados are due to be retired in 2030.
The Taurus weapon also has been delivered to South Korea and Spain, respectively arming their Boeing F-15K and F-18 fleets.
The missile has a range in excess of 226nm (500km), and carries a 480kg warhead.
Story updated on 20 December with additional details from Taurus Systems joint venture partner MBDA.
