Saab Secures 1.7 Billion Kronor Contract for TAURUS KEPD 350 Upgrades in Germany Until 2035
TAURUS KEPD 350 upgrades improve German Air Force capabilities; MBDA invests 250M Euros in production, aligning with European Sky Shield Initiative for air defense.
Saab Contracted for TAURUS KEPD 350 Missile System Upgrade
On March 3, Saab was contracted by TAURUS Systems GmbH, a joint venture between MBDA Deutschland and Saab, to supply components for the upgrade and modernization of the TAURUS KEPD 350 missile system. The contract, valued at 1.7 billion Swedish Kronor (approximately 150 million Euros), spans a decade until 2035. These upgrades are set to enhance the operational capabilities of the German Air Force's current arsenal.
Current Deployment of the Taurus KEPD 350
The Bundeswehr currently deploys the TAURUS KEPD 350 with its Tornado fighter jets, while integration with the Eurofighter is underway. The missile, designed for long-range precision strikes beyond enemy air defenses, features a Kinetic Energy Penetrator and Destroyer warhead with a range exceeding 300 km. This capability allows operators to engage high-value targets without breaching adversary airspace.
Political Debates in Germany Over Potential Taurus Deliveries to Ukraine
The potential delivery of TAURUS missiles to Ukraine has sparked debate within Germany’s political circles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has requested these systems to target Russian positions. While Chancellor Olaf Scholz and many SPD members oppose the transfer, some CDU/CSU and Green Party politicians support it.
Read more about the German Taurus Missile debate here on grosswald.org:
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MBDA Germany's Role as Taurus Manufacturer and Current Production Expansion
MBDA Deutschland, located in Schrobenhausen, Bavaria, is central to these developments. The facility, known for producing the TAURUS missile, is expanding its operations. MBDA is investing over 250 million Euros to increase production capacity, including for the Patriot missile defense system's interceptors. This expansion aligns with the European Sky Shield Initiative, which aims to streamline air defense across 23 European nations, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs through shared technologies and production scales.
In parallel, MBDA's German operations in Schrobenhausen are expanding production capabilities to meet increased demand for both the TAURUS missile and the Patriot air defense system. The facility, a key site for European missile development, is investing over 250 million Euros to enhance its production infrastructure, including the establishment of new capacities for the GEM-T interceptors used in the Patriot system.
European Defense Collaboration &
This expansion aligns with the European Sky Shield Initiative, which aims to bolster collective air defense capabilities across 23 European nations through shared technological investments and production efficiencies. Thomas Gottschild, head of MBDA Deutschland, emphasizes the importance of coordinated European defense efforts, citing the Patriot system as an example of successful multinational collaboration. This initiative includes major German defense firms such as Rheinmetall, Diehl, and Hensoldt, aiming to close gaps in missile defense and air security across Europe.
Related stories: Read about the Top 5 Key Insights of the Taurus KEPD 350 modernization efforts here on grosswald.org:
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