Saab has been awarded a major subcontract by its Taurus Systems joint-venture partner MBDA Germany for its part in the modernisation of KEPD 350 air-launched cruise missiles for the German air force.

“The order includes significant system upgrades and modernisation… as well as a 10-year lifecycle maintenance [provision],” the Swedish company says. It values its award as being worth SKr1.7 billion ($168 million) through 2035.

Germany’s BAAINBw defence procurement agency in December 2024 announced a modernisation programme for the precision-strike weapon, which has a range performance of more than 270nm (500km).

Taurus missile

Source: Saab

The KEPD 350 Taurus cruise missile has a range of over 270nm

“Taurus KEPD 350 enables the user to defeat targets at long ranges required for the most demanding air operations. The latest upgrades will provide the German air force with significant improvements,” says Gorgen Johansson, head of Saab’s Dynamics business area.

European Defence Editor Craig Hoyle has reported on the UK, European and international military aviation sector for almost 30 years, and has also been the Editor of Flight International since 2015. He joined FlightGlobal in 2003, and also compiles our annual World Air Forces directory.View full Profile

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