Germany Prepares All TAURUS Missiles for Service

The German government has decided to modernize and return all TAURUS long-range air-to-surface missiles to service, which are part of the country's armed forces (Bundeswehr). This was reported by the Die Welt newspaper, adding that on Tuesday, March 12, the German Ministry of Defense informed about the corresponding plans during a secret session of the Bundestag's relevant committee.

According to the publication, there are approximately 600 TAURUS missiles produced by the company MBDA in the German armed forces' arsenal, although the exact number is kept classified. Currently, only half of these are considered operational following a technical upgrade in 2018, while the others have exceeded their certification timeline. The non-operational missiles will be sent for refurbishment; all missiles are required to undergo a complete inspection, and those whose certification has expired will be sent for renovation.

As Die Welt emphasizes, the decision to return all TAURUS missiles to operational status opens new opportunities for the Berlin government, as it will enable the transfer of more air-to-surface missiles to Ukraine without compromising national defense. The so-called circular exchange with allies also appears to be more likely. Under this scenario, supported by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Germany might transfer TAURUS missiles to the United Kingdom, which in turn would supply Ukraine with a new batch of Storm Shadow long-range missiles.

The Ministry of Defense declined to comment on this matter at Die Welt's request. A new vote will take place in the Bundestag on March 14 regarding the supply of TAURUS missiles to Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has categorically rejected the idea of supplying TAURUS missiles to Kyiv, arguing that if the TAURUS is "misused," it could "hit a target somewhere in Moscow."