During the Cold War Germany wanted to buy French Apache missiles, which did not work out. In 1998, Germany funded the development of a powered system to be designated KEPD-350 with the acronym TAURUS (Target Adaptive Unitary and dispensor Robotic Ubiquity System).[4]
In February 2024, there was a discussion among Luftwaffe officers as to how the system could be delivered to Ukraine to target the Crimean Bridge. Four officers prepared a briefing for Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the topic at an online meeting. The conversation was conducted via webex.[5] A Russian intelligence service, media suspect the GRU, is reported to have intercepted the conversation and published it on the state controlled channel RT-Deutsch. An English translation of the transcript of the conversation was later posted online, though like various news reports it contains a number of errors.[6]
The leak was followed by a public debate about countering Russian espionage in Germany. MAD started investigations. [7][8]
The dual stage 480-kilogram (1,100 lb) warhead, called MEPHISTO (multi-effect penetrator highly sophisticated and target optimised),[10] features a precharge and initial penetrating charge to clear soil or enter "hard and deeply buried targets" (HDBT) such as hardened underground bunkers, then a variable delay fuze to control detonation of the main warhead. The missile weighs about 1,400 kg (3,100 lb) and has a maximum body diameter of 1 metre (3.3 ft). Intended targets are hardened bunkers; command, control, and communications facilities; airfield and port facilities; ammunition storage facilities; ships in port or at sea; area target attack; and bridges.[11]
Upon arrival the missile commences a bunt (climb) manoeuvre to achieve the best probability of target acquisition and penetration. During the cruise portion of the flight, a high resolution thermographic camera (infrared homing) can support navigation by using IBN and for GPS-free target attack. The missile attempts to match a camera image with the planned 3D target model (Digital Scene Matching Area Correlator, DSMAC). If it cannot, it defaults to the other navigation systems, or, to avoid collateral damage, it steers to a pre-designated crash point instead of risking an inaccurate attack.[citation needed]
Export
Spain's military bought 45 missiles. Integration of the missile in Spanish Air Force service was certified by completing a dedicated test campaign in South Africa in May 2009.[14]
In 2013 South Korea planned to order 200 missiles to integrate with their F-15K Slam Eagles after it was prevented from acquiring Lockheed Martin's AGM-158 JASSM by the United States.[15] The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) signed the deal in November 2013. The KEPD 350 was the first European missile to be integrated onto a South Korean fighter.[16] In October 2016, South Korea announced it would acquire a further 90 missiles, in addition to the 170 previously ordered, in response to North Korean nuclear and missile provocations.[17] On 12 December 2016, the first 40 Taurus KEPD 350K missiles were delivered to the ROKAF.[18][19]
A Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missile at the ILA air show near Berlin in 2004.
KEPD 350K
The variant for the ROKAF differs from the baseline model by being equipped with a Rockwell Collins GPS receiver with a Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) to prevent jamming.[27]
KEPD 350K-2
In October 2015, Taurus Systems revealed it was developing a smaller version of the Taurus missile, called the 350K-2, for use on light fighters, particularly the South Korean FA-50 Block 20 variant of the KAI T-50 Golden Eagle.[28] It is shorter at 4.5 m (15 ft) in length and lighter, weighing 907 kg (2,000 lb) while matching speed and range.[29]
In December 2016, South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced plans to start development on a long-range air-to-ground missile in 2018, based on Taurus. The weapon was to be mounted on the KAI KF-21 Boramae fighter, to be developed by the mid-2020s.[30]
Taurus Neo
On 27 October 2024, Boris Pistorius (German Defence Minister) announced a next generation Taurus missile called the Taurus Neo. With plans to purchase 600 units costing some €2.1 billion with deliveries starting in 2029. The Taurus Neo will include a range over 500 kms, a more powerful warhead and better guidance. 300 million euros would be required in 2025 to start the program.[31][32]
177 ordered in 2013, delivered in 2016–2017, 90 ordered in 2018, delivered in 2019–2020, and to be operated from the Republic of Korea Air Force's McDonnell Douglas F-15K Slam Eagle fighter jets.[38][39] The missile is expected to be integrated for the F-35A. However planned maintenance for next year has been delayed by the South Korean Air Force until 2030, instead of 2025. As to a “shortage of parts from the manufacturer” in part due to the war in Ukraine.[40]
See also
AGM-158 JASSM – American low observable air-launched cruise missile
HOPE/HOSBO – German, family of precision-guided glide bombs
KD-88 – Chinese anti-ship cruise missilePages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets
