Saab has secured a significant contract focused on the maintenance and modernization of the German Air Force’s Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missile. The contract, valued at 1.7 billion Swedish kronor (approximately $161 million), spans a decade and was awarded by Taurus Systems, a collaborative enterprise between MBDA Germany and Saab. The initial purchase order was placed by the German defense procurement agency, BAAINBw, to Taurus Systems and includes comprehensive upgrades alongside a ten-year life cycle maintenance plan.
Gorgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics, emphasized the strategic advantages of the Taurus KEPD 350 missile, stating that it provides the capability to engage targets at extensive ranges necessary for high-stakes air operations. He assured that the forthcoming upgrades would deliver notable enhancements to the operational capacity of the German Air Force.
In a parallel development, MBDA had been awarded a similar contract in October 2024 aimed at ensuring the air-launched missile remains operational until 2045. This move aligns with Germany’s defense strategy, as the Ministry of Defense is reportedly considering the procurement of a total of 600 upgraded units of the Taurus, designated as Taurus Neo. This potential procurement is estimated at 2.1 billion euros ($2.18 billion), with deliveries anticipated to begin in 2029.
The expected upgrades for the Taurus Neo will include advanced features such as an automated terrain reference sensor designed for GPS-denied scenarios, enhancing the missile’s effectiveness in diverse operational environments.
The Taurus missile system is specifically engineered to neutralize static and semi-stationary ground targets, including hardened and high-value installations, with a considerable operational range of 500 kilometers (311 miles). It employs a dual-stage warhead weighing 480 kilograms (1,100 pounds) that utilizes a pre-charge to penetrate targets’ outer layers before detonating at a predetermined depth, maximizing destructive impact. Additionally, its capability for terrain-hugging flight at low altitudes allows it to effectively evade enemy air defense systems, further solidifying its role in modern air combat scenarios.
