Germany has announced plans to modernize its Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missile, almost 20 years after its introduction. The upgrade, scheduled to begin in 2025, was confirmed on December 19, 2023. The contract was signed by Germany’s BAAINBw agency and Taurus Systems, a joint venture of MBDA and Saab Dynamics, to enhance the missile’s capabilities.
The modernization will include technological updates to meet current warfare demands. These improvements, along with regular maintenance, will ensure the missile remains effective until at least 2045. The upgrades aim to keep the Taurus missile operational for many more years.
The German Air Force uses the Taurus missile with the Panavia Tornado aircraft, introduced in 2005. The missile will be integrated into the Eurofighter fleet, as the Tornado is set to retire by 2030. Preparations are already underway for the transition.
Other countries, including South Korea and Spain, also use the Taurus missile. In South Korea, it’s mounted on the Boeing F-15K, while in Spain, it’s used with the F-18 fleet. These deployments show the missile’s versatility in different military forces.
The Taurus KEPD 350 has a range of over 500 kilometers and carries a 480 kg warhead. Its long range and precision make it a key asset for both Germany and its allies, providing standoff strike capabilities against high-value targets.
