Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on December 9, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleGermany plans to produce upgraded Taurus missiles by 2029, enhancing range and technology. MBDA leads the project with Saab and Williams International.
BERLIN, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Germany plans to begin production of an upgraded version of its Taurus cruise missile in 2029, according to a budget proposal seen by Reuters on Tuesday, which is expected to be approved by parliament next week.
German forces currently have some 600 Taurus missiles with an official range of more than 500 km (311 miles) in their inventories, to be launched from fighter jets such as the Tornado, the F-15 or the F-18.
The weapon, built by European defence company MBDA, is designed to destroy high-value targets behind enemy lines such as command bunkers, ammunition and fuel dumps, airfields and bridges.
The German government has repeatedly denied requests by Ukraine to supply it with Taurus cruise missiles amid concerns over their long range and their potential use against targets inside Russia.
The upgraded Taurus NEO missile, as outlined in the 415-million-euro ($483 million) budget proposal which is classified as confidential, will feature an extended range, improved shielding against interference, and advancements in navigation and seeker head technology.
Sweden's Saab and U.S.-based Williams International are identified as the main subcontractors for the enhanced missile.
At a later stage, Sweden and Spain may join the contract, the document said.
According to previous information, Germany aims to purchase some 600 Taurus NEO for around 2 billion euros in total.
The Kremlin has told Germany that delivering cruise missiles to Kyiv would lead to a further round of "spiralling tension" in the Ukraine conflict.
($1 = 0.8595 euros)
(Reporting by Sabine Siebold; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
A cruise missile is a guided missile used to deliver a large warhead over long distances with high precision. They are typically launched from ships or aircraft.
Missile technology refers to the design, development, and deployment of missiles, which are weapons capable of delivering explosive payloads to a target.
Military budgets are financial plans that outline the funding allocated for defense and military operations, impacting national security and technological advancements.
An upgraded missile system is a modernized version of an existing missile, incorporating new technologies to enhance performance, accuracy, and capabilities.
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