WorldTekhno.com – With its ability to reach 500 km, members of the German parliament expressed concern about the Taurus KEPD 350 nuclear missile. Also, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is still considering whether to approve sending the missile to Ukraine.
Scholz was thinking of avoiding NATO involvement in a possible conflict with Russia.
The Taurus KEPD 350 missile is a long-range air-to-surface cruise missile developed and manufactured by Taurus Systems GmbH, a joint venture between LFK-Lenkflugkörpersysteme (EADS/MBDA) (67%) and Saab-Bofors Dynamics (33%). . This missile is currently used by Germany and Spain.
The Taurus KEPD 350 is approximately 5 metres (16.4 feet) long, weighs 1.4 tonnes and can carry conventional or nuclear warheads. The missile is powered by a Williams P8300-15 turbofan engine with a maximum range of 500 kilometres.
The Taurus KEPD 350 is designed to penetrate thick, hardened air defences, so it can be used to attack enemy strategic infrastructure targets such as bridges, ships in harbours, runways, control systems, communications centres, bunkers and port facilities.
This missile is equipped with an inertial navigation system (INS) and a terrain contour matching radar (TERCOM) system that allows it to fly at low altitudes and avoid enemy radars. The Taurus KEPD 350 is also equipped with an infrared terminal search (IIR) system that allows it to engage targets with high precision.
The Taurus KEPD 350 missile can be launched from a variety of airborne platforms, including Tornado, Eurofighter Typhoon, F/A-18 Hornet and F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft. This missile can also be launched from Panavia Tornado bombers.
The Taurus KEPD 350 missile is one of the most advanced cruise missiles in the world and has proven its effectiveness in various military exercises and operations. The missile has been used by Germany and Spain in operations in Afghanistan and Libya.
In 2023, Germany is considering sending Taurus KEPD 350 missiles to Ukraine to assist the country in its war against Russia.***
