Germany approves Taurus Neo upgraded cruise missile

A Eurofighter testbed aircraft carrying a Taurus cruise missile under each wing. Germany has cleared development of the improved Taurus Neo, although details remain classified. (Taurus KEPD/Luftwaffe)

Germany has cleared development of the Taurus Neo upgraded cruise missile as part of a wider raft of programmatic approvals announced by the Budget Committee of the Bundestag on 18 December.

The Taurus KEPD 350 missile, which is carried by Luftwaffe Panavia Tornado Interdiction and Strike (IDS) combat aircraft in German service, is to be upgraded with enhanced capabilities for future carriage by the Eurofighter EF-2000.

“The committee [has given] the green light for series production preparation for the airborne stand-off weapon, Taurus Neo,” the approval said. “The aim is to set up the production line for the cruise missile in the new version at an early stage and to procure parts for production in good time. As a future joint procurement project of several allied partner countries, it will be implemented under the umbrella of the Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en Matière d'Armement (OCCAR).”

According to Janes Weapons: Air Launched , the Taurus Neo is the latest variant of the Taurus KEPD 350 missile family. This new project aims to develop an improved missile with extended range, higher accuracy, and enhanced payload capabilities. The Taurus Neo is expected to feature an advanced guidance system and anti-jamming capabilities. Further details have not yet been disclosed.

For more information on the Luftwaffe's short-term upgrade plans, please see IFC 2025: Germany details Tornado capability transition to Eurofighter, F-35A .