Germany Considers Supplying Taurus Missiles to Ukraine Amid Evolving Policies

Recent comments from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have revived discussions around the potential supply of Taurus missiles to Ukraine, indicating a shift in Berlin's position. On May 26, Merz stated, "There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine — neither by the U.K., France, nor us. There are no restrictions by the U.S. either," prompting speculation about the future of military support. However, he later clarified that his remarks were about permissions granted by allies last year, which noted that Germany currently does not supply any long-range missiles that were part of those permissions. This clarification seems to have somewhat moderated expectations, yet it has sparked renewed interest in whether Germany might now consider supplying Taurus missiles. Germany's Hesitance on Taurus Delivery The decision not to provide Taurus missiles stems from policies established by Merz's predecessor, Olaf Scholz. In contrast to the U.S.-supplied ATACMS and U.K.-French Storm Shadows already used by Ukraine, Taurus has been a point of contention. "Delivering Taurus at this point is less for the Ukrainians and more for the Germans," said Fabian Hoffmann, a missile technology researcher, emphasizing that the decision symbolizes German apprehensions about escalation. Polling support for arms deliveries by various German leadership has evolved, with Merz openly discussing the strategic use of Taurus missiles to target key Russian military assets, including infrastructure in occupied Crimea. His statements mark a shift towards a more proactive German defense posture with regard to support for Ukraine. Advantages of the Taurus Missile When compared to similar missiles like the Storm Shadow, Taurus is designed for deep strike missions, making it well-suited for targeting strategic sites. Experts indicate that its capabilities allow for precision strikes against fortified positions, offering a significant enhancement to Ukraine's military tools in addressing Russian fortifications. With a reported operational range exceeding 560 kilometers, it is believed that Taurus can potentially strike targets as far as 700 to 800 kilometers away, depending on its launch conditions and aircraft used. Its launch from aircraft positioned away from frontline combat reduces its vulnerability to enemy defenses. The Target: Crimean Bridge One pivotal target for the Taurus missile system could be the Crimean Bridge, a crucial logistical route constructed during Russia's annexation of Crimea. The bridge is not only vital for military transportation but also holds significant symbolic importance for Russia’s claim over the region. Previous attempts by Ukraine to disrupt this structure have been met with limited success, and the potential use of Taurus missiles could enhance these operations significantly. Current Status of Taurus Supply As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding the shipment of Taurus missiles to Ukraine. An MBDA Deutschland representative has mentioned, "We are not issuing comments on any speculation on political debates and decisions," while affirming the company’s readiness to support any necessary logistics should the German government decide to proceed with delivery. While experts acknowledge that the Taurus missile might not drastically alter the current conflict landscape, it could bolster Ukraine’s dwindling stock of long-range munitions, particularly as they continue to face demands for effective deep strikes against well-fortified Russian positions. For further reading: Sanctions on Russia