In order to increase attacks on Russia's strategic positions, the most effective option that Ukraine can use is to launch air-launched cruise missiles (ALCM). For this reason, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to lobby NATO countries to continue supplying missiles such as Storm Shadow/SCALP.
However, the supply of Storm Shadow from England and France was still lacking, considering that the war was predicted to be long.
Based on the need for cruise missiles in sufficient quantities, Ukraine since last May has asked the German government to supply Taurus long-range cruise missiles. The news of the request for the Taurus missile was revealed by a spokesperson for the German Ministry of Defense.
However, the German Defense Ministry refused to provide further details or say how likely Germany would supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Germany, as a supplier of heavy weapons to Ukraine, is eagerly awaited by Kiev for its participation in sending Taurus missiles.
Understandably, what Germany sent to Ukraine was not 'tin cans' of defense equipment, Berlin has so far supplied the Leopard 2A4/2A6 Main Battle Tank (MBT), the Gepard Flakpanzer Hanud System and the Marder 1A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). So apart from that, Zelenskyy can ask Germany for Taurus.
According to sources cited by German tabloid Bild, the German government has recently refrained from supplying the Ukrainian armed forces with Taurus cruise missiles. However, an official rejection has not been issued by the German government, so the situation is still in flux.
“Ukraine's request for Taurus cruise missiles does not appear to have been supported by the German government, but an official rejection has not been sent to Kiev,” Bild said.
Current allegations suggest that the recent shift in power provides an opportunity for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to consider it carefully. Despite this, global defense analysts estimate it is unlikely that Germany will 'bow' to Ukraine's demand for Taurus cruise missiles. Despite this, Germany made an offer to supply Ukraine with additional missiles for their Patriot system.
Difficulties in the Taurus supply issue remained unresolved, and Germany expressed unease due to its concerns regarding Russia. There is uncertainty looming in Germany, as it considers the potential risks that might arise if Ukraine launched an attack on the Crimean Bridge using the Taurus.
Last May, the Ukrainian government expressed interest in acquiring Taurus missiles from Germany. These missiles have the attack capability to effectively target objects up to 500 km away. Given the distance between Ukraine's borders and Russia, this would pose a potential threat to Moscow's air defenses, which are within the Taurus' attack range.
Reflecting on the gravity of the situation, the House leader's adviser, Ian Gagin, commented on the devastating impact it could have. According to the RT report, Gagin believes that Berlin's decision to give the green light to Taurus deliveries has the potential to trigger a third world war.
The Taurus cruise missile is an air-launched weapons system developed by Germany and Sweden. This missile is designed to be launched from aircraft, specifically Tornado and Gripen fighter jets. This missile is capable of attacking long-range targets with high precision.
In terms of operational possibilities, the Taurus cruise missile offers several advantages. Its air-launched capability allows for greater flexibility in terms of target selection and engagement. This missile can be launched from a safe distance, reducing the risk to the aircraft and its crew. In addition, the missile's long-range capabilities allow it to attack targets located deep inside enemy territory.
The missile is equipped with a highly accurate guidance system, which includes inertial navigation and GPS. This missile design also has a stealth design, reducing radar detection and increasing its chances of evading enemy air defenses.
In addition, the Taurus cruise missile is armed with a powerful warhead, capable of penetrating difficult targets such as bunkers and fortified structures. Its advanced target recognition system ensures precise target engagement, minimizing collateral damage.
