Germany Considers Taurus Missile Supply to Ukraine Amid Training Concerns
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has revealed that the decision to supply Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine remains under consideration, citing the system’s complexity and the need for extensive training. While acknowledging the potential strategic value of the weapon, Merz emphasized that Germany will not become a party to the war, ensuring the missiles will be used by Ukrainian forces. The Taurus missile, capable of striking targets up to 500 kilometers away, is similar to the Storm Shadow but with a specialized warhead for penetrating fortified structures. The chancellor also noted that Germany will no longer disclose detailed military support to Ukraine to avoid giving Russia intelligence on Western aid.
In a recent statement to Tagesschau, Merz highlighted the complexity of the Taurus system, stating that it requires at least six months of training for Ukrainian forces before it can be effectively deployed. This training gap remains a key obstacle to the decision, as Germany has not yet officially committed to initiating it. Merz underscored that, regardless of the decision, the weapons will be used by Ukrainian forces, not German troops, and reiterated that Germany will not become a party to the war.
The Taurus missile, a powerful strike weapon with a range of up to 500 kilometers, is a significant addition to Ukraine’s arsenal. While similar in performance to the Storm Shadow missile produced by MBDA’s French division, the Taurus is distinguished by its specialized warhead, which can detonate after penetrating fortified targets such as bunkers or reinforced structures. Merz noted that this capability could offer Ukraine a strategic advantage against Russian positions. However, the training requirements for the system remain a major concern, as Merz admitted that Germany has not yet agreed on the training plan for Ukrainian forces.
Merz also mentioned that Germany will no longer publicly detail its military support to Ukraine in an effort to obscure the scale of Western assistance from Russia. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Germany has provided nearly 47.8 billion euros in total support – the second-largest single donor to Ukraine. This includes military equipment, humanitarian assistance, refugee aid, infrastructure funding, and financial aid for energy and winter relief, with over 28 billion euros allocated specifically for military support.
The decision on the Taurus missile supply reflects a broader trend in Western military aid to Ukraine, as allies continue to evaluate the best ways to counter Russian advances while managing the political and logistical challenges of such support. As the conflict in Ukraine extends into its third year, the balance between providing essential military equipment and avoiding direct involvement in hostilities remains a critical consideration for Germany and its European counterparts.