Taurus cruise missile production set to recommence by MBDA
The Taurus cruise missile, a key component of deep-strike range weapons, is currently undergoing a modernization program to extend its service life until at least 2045. This initiative comes after MBDA, the missile's manufacturer, secured a contract from Germany to upgrade the missiles at the end of 2024.
MBDA is making significant strides in increasing production capacity. The company plans to double the output of Taurus missiles in 2025, supported by a $2.7 billion investment planned through 2029. However, the future of Taurus missiles in Ukraine remains uncertain, as Germany is still evaluating the possibility of supplying these missiles to the country.
The Taurus cruise missile, five meters long and capable of flying over 500 kilometers using its jet engine, can target ammunition depots, command posts, and even heavily secured facilities like bunkers. It is launched from combat aircraft and has been a central part of the Bundeswehr's inventory since 2004, with a total of 600 missiles received by the end of 2024.
However, many of the previously received Taurus missiles are no longer considered operational and need to be modernized. This modernization program aims to breathe new life into these missiles, ensuring they remain effective weapons in the face of evolving threats.
Interestingly, MBDA and its partners in the UK and France have also resumed production of the related SCALP/Storm Shadow cruise missile after a 15-year hiatus. This move signals a broader revitalization of long-range, air-launched cruise missile capabilities. The SCALP/Storm Shadow program is also being succeeded by new missile projects, reflecting ongoing modernization in European cruise missile technology.
In conclusion, the Taurus cruise missile modernization program is a testament to the ongoing efforts to maintain and update critical defense systems. However, the decisions regarding the export of these missiles to Ukraine are still pending, highlighting the complex interplay of defense modernization, production scaling, and international export approvals in the current security environment.
To ensure the Taurus cruise missiles remain effective against emerging threats, MBDA is implementing a community policy that focuses on vocational training for its employees, to improve the quality and quantity of missile production. Simultaneously, MBDA is striving to expand its production capacity in the aerospace industry, aiming to secure financing for a $2.7 billion investment in vocational training and infrastructure by 2029.
