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They are high on the Ukrainians’ wish list, fly low and could even blow up bunkers. According to the Bundeswehr, the German Taurus cruise missiles are among the “most modern missiles in the air force”. But Germany is reluctant to supply it to Ukraine; Chancellor Olaf Scholz (65) is said to have decided not to send it to Ukraine for the time being.
The Taurus, with the full name “Taurus KEPD-350”, weighs about 1.4 tons and is about 5 meters long. The cruise missile is launched from a fighter plane and then independently finds a predetermined target using four different navigation systems in the weapon. It is powered by a jet engine at the rear.
Extreme speed and low altitude
The system cannot only compare the current location and the further course of the planned route via GPS. Image and infrared sensors also aid in navigation. The terrain and altitude are continuously measured to avoid an early impact.
Thanks to its modern design, the system reaches extremely high speeds. Up to 1170 km/h and therefore speeds just below the sound limit are possible. What sets the system apart is its low altitude: “Taurus” can fly at a height of just 35 meters, making it difficult for enemy radar systems to detect.
The rocket-shaped body was specially equipped with two explosive charges for impact. On impact, an initial charge blows a hole in the wall or ceiling. According to the Bundeswehr, “strongly hardened target structures” such as bunker ceilings can also be breached. At the target itself, the 480-kilogram ‘Mephisto’ system detonates with approximately 110 kilos of explosives.
600 missiles
According to the manufacturer, the cruise missile can fly up to 500 kilometers. This would allow fighter pilots to fire from afar without having to enter enemy airspace.
At the same time, the extreme reach is also the main reason why Germany hesitates to supply Ukraine. In theory, Ukraine could also use Stier to shell Russian territory.
Although the government of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, 45, has assured that it will not use Western weapons to attack Russia, Western governments have so far remained unconvinced. According to ZDF, the biggest concern is that Ukraine could shell the Russian-built Crimean Bridge.
Germany currently has 600 Taurus missiles. A copy costs the equivalent of about 900,000 francs. According to German information, about 150 missiles are currently ready for use. The remaining 450 copies would first have to be prepared for export to Ukraine.
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
