Anadolu staff
October 25, 2024•Update: October 25, 2024
BERLIN
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius proposed purchasing 600 advanced Taurus cruise missiles to strengthen the country’s military might, the Der Spiegel weekly reported on Friday.
Pistorius presented the plan to the parliament's budget committee, outlining the strategic advantages of acquiring the new missile system, according to the report. The estimated cost of the project was €2.1 billion ($2.27 billion).
The plan faces several hurdles due to budgetary constraints, Der Spiegel said, adding that the ministry has requested an initial €350 million ($379 million) to kick-start the project next year. If approved, the first deliveries could commence as early as 2029.
The German armed forces (Bundeswehr) currently maintain a fleet of approximately 600 older Taurus cruise missiles, which are undergoing extensive modernization. The Taurus missile system is renowned for its long range and precision, capable of being launched from various fighter jets, including the Tornado, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Gripen fighter.
With a range exceeding 500 kilometers (310 miles), the Taurus missiles are well-known for success in properly targeting objects including bridges, or hard and deeply buried targets such as command bunkers.
