Pistorius’s ministry has outlined the strategic importance of the Taurus Neo in confidential budget documents submitted to the Bundestag’s budget committee for the 2025 defence budget. Despite its importance, the project is currently listed as an optional item due to limited funds, with the initial budget requirement of EUR 350 million proposed for 2025 to initiate the programme. The majority of the project’s costs would be spread over the years leading up to delivery.
Für 2,1 Milliarden Euro: Verteidigungsminister Boris Pistorius plant nach SPIEGEL-Informationen die Anschaffung neuer Taurus-Marschflugkörper. Doch die Finanzierung ist unklar. https://t.co/Rp3SjOeKSP
— DER SPIEGEL (@derspiegel) October 25, 2024
Germany’s current inventory includes around 600 Taurus missiles of an older design, now undergoing extensive upgrades to ensure operational readiness. The Taurus system is designed for precise, long-range strikes well behind enemy lines, and the advanced Taurus Neo model is expected to introduce state-of-the-art capabilities, enhancing Germany’s military flexibility and response potential.
Ukraine has made repeated requests for Germany to supply Taurus missiles in support of its defence efforts. However, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has consistently declined these appeals, citing strategic and geopolitical considerations. The German government remains cautious about expanding arms exports to Ukraine, maintaining a restrained approach on high-impact weaponry.
Source: Der Spiegel.