After the upcoming elections in Germany, Ukraine is likely to receive the most advanced German Taurus cruise missiles. This strategic weapon can be used by Ukrainian military forces for long-range strikes on Russian targets. According to Forbes, German Taurus missiles can be installed on old Soviet Su-24 bombers, which will allow Ukraine to significantly strengthen its ability to strike at critical enemy targets.
Taurus is a 1.5-ton turbofan-powered cruise missile capable of reaching subsonic speeds. With GPS and inertial guidance, the missile has a range of up to 500 km. Due to its high-tech characteristics, Taurus is highly desirable for the Ukrainian military, which seeks to enhance its long-range capabilities without relying on less powerful and longer-range missiles.
Despite Ukraine’s repeated requests to Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government, which has repeatedly refused to provide the missiles, there is hope for future Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Merz has been more open to the idea of transferring Taurus missiles to Ukraine, and according to Forbes, the German government could supply up to 100 missiles to Ukraine. This number would significantly increase Ukraine’s existing stockpile of cruise missiles, and with supplies from France, the UK and Italy (which have sent several hundred similar Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG missiles), these missiles could be critical to further progress.
According to the newspaper's estimates, the possible delivery of the Taurus missile could be delayed until late spring or early summer 2025, as Merz may not have enough political influence to expedite the decision. However, analysts say that even later delivery will be important to ensure Ukraine's strategic advantage.
With missiles like Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG in its arsenal, Ukraine is capable of striking deep and important targets in Russia. But since these missiles can quickly run out of stock, Taurus missiles could be a necessary replenishment and allow for the resumption of important raids on strategic enemy targets.
