The request from Ukraine was received by Germany several days ago, as reported by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. The spokesperson, however, refrained from divulging further details or commenting on the likelihood of Germany fulfilling the missile supply request.
If Germany agrees to supply the Taurus cruise missiles, it would follow in the footsteps of the United Kingdom, which became the first country to publicly provide Kyiv with long-range cruise missiles in May.
While Ukraine has sought long-range missile capabilities for months, support from its Western allies had primarily focused on shorter-range weapons. The United States, for instance, has refrained from supplying Ukraine with the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles, which have a range of 297 kilometers, due to concerns over potential cross-border strikes into Russia.
The Taurus cruise missile is highly versatile and capable of striking high-value targets, enemy troops, and fuel depots situated deep behind the front lines. It possesses the ability to destroy fortified targets like underground bunkers.
The Taurus cruise missile is produced by Taurus Systems GmbH, a company of MBDA Deutschland and Saab Dynamics.
