Germany is set to modernize its Taurus long-range cruise missiles under a proposed €829.8 million ($872.3 million) upgrade plan, according to a letter from the Defence Ministry obtained by dpa.
The ministry outlined its intentions in a letter to lawmakers on parliament’s budget committee, detailing a framework agreement with the manufacturer for a second “major overhaul” of the missiles. The upgrades aim to maintain and enhance the weapon system’s capabilities.
Approval from the budget committee is required for the funding to proceed.
The move comes amid ongoing debate over whether Germany should supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine to aid its defense against Russia. Ukrainian officials have consistently advocated for the missiles, citing their long-range precision as a critical asset in countering the Russian invasion.
However, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has resisted such requests, citing concerns over escalation risks due to the missile’s range of up to 500 kilometers. Scholz also noted that using the Taurus targeting system would necessitate German military involvement.
While the modernization program focuses on maintaining Germany’s defense capabilities, it underscores the broader geopolitical sensitivities surrounding the use of advanced military technology in the current conflict.
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