As of: February 21, 2024, 4:36 p.m
By: Bettina Menzel
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It is reminiscent of the main battle tank debate: For months, the traffic light has been discussing the pros and cons of a Taurus delivery to Kiev.
Why the cruise missiles would above all mean protection for Ukraine.
Kiev - In the Ukraine war, Kiev's troops are pursuing an indirect approach: the fight in depth is intended, for example, to prevent Russian supply routes and thus make supply more difficult.
This in turn can influence what happens at the front.
The Taurus cruise missile would be ideal for this tactic, but Germany has been delaying delivery for months.
The USA promised Kiev the ATACMS, which also has a wide range, last year - the pressure on the traffic lights is increasing.
Ukraine with a fight in depth: This means the range of the Taurus for Kiev
Its nickname is “bunker buster”: The Taurus cruise missile not only has the ability to hit accurately, but can also sustainably destroy highly hardened targets such as bunkers or bridges.
In addition, the bullet explodes so precisely that it can detonate on a pre-selected floor, according to the manufacturer's information.
The great strength of this weapon is its range of over 500 kilometers.
This would allow the Ukrainian army to target Russian logistical facilities and command posts further behind the front, while at the same time Kiev's troops would be beyond the reach of the Russian army.
A Taurus cruise missile from the German Bundeswehr at an exhibition in Berlin (archive photo, June 2022).
© Imago/Arnulf Hettrich
This means the Ukrainians don't have to go as close to the front to hit targets in the Russian hinterland.
In this case, range means protection.
In addition, the cruise missile can fly to a pre-programmed target in serpentine lines in order to protect itself and confuse the enemy's anti-aircraft defense, as former NATO general Erhard Bühler explained in his podcast "What to do, Mr. General?"
In contrast to ballistic bullets, a Taurus can also hit its target “from the back”.
“For these reasons, I believe that the range limitation that Germany is considering according to media reports is wrong,” said the ex-NATO general in response to the public discussion.
Pressure on the government is increasing: traffic light factions submit a proposal to the Bundestag
The coalition factions want to submit a joint motion for further support for Ukraine to the Bundestag this Thursday.
But the government remains hesitant about the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles.
The submission by the three parliamentary group leaders of the SPD, Greens and FDP for the Bundestag proposal calls for “the delivery of additionally necessary long-range weapon systems and ammunition,” as the German Press Agency reported.
It is completely clear that the wording in the application is aimed at the Taurus cruise missiles, Green European politician Anton Hofreiter told
Spiegel
and added:
“
I expect the Chancellor to implement what the traffic light factions tell him to do.”
In an official request last May, Ukraine emphasized that the long-range Taurus would “enable targeted attacks in accordance with international law on strategically relevant targets far in the rear of the Russian aggressor.”
There have been repeated public fears recently that Ukraine could, for example, attack the Kerch Bridge or other targets with this weapon.
Critics saw this as a danger of an escalation of the war.
“Ukraine has so far complied with all requirements,” emphasized former NATO general Bühler.
This applies in particular to the requirement that “Western systems should not be used to attack any targets in Russia itself.
If you question that, in my view it is an unjustified mistrust [...],” said the military expert last September.
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What are the biggest advantages of Taurus?
precision
Power even against hardened targets such as bunkers and bridges
Difficult location, among other things, due to flight altitudes of only 50 meters and high speeds
also GPS independent
According to the manufacturer, the only programmable intelligent multi-purpose detonator in the world
Mephisto warhead system weighing 480 kilograms
Long range of over 500 kilometers
Which Ukraine aircraft would be most compatible?
In the medium term, the cruise missile could be integrated into the F16 aircraft.
The weapon not only has to be attached to the aircraft, but also integrated into the systems.
According to military experts, this could be easiest in the NATO F16 aircraft.
How many Taurus does the Bundeswehr have?
Last August, 150 of the Bundeswehr's original 600 units were considered ready for use.
From the point of view of experts, the remaining 450 Taurus could be made operational again, it was said.
What long-range weapons does Ukraine currently have?
Ukraine already has Storm Shadow cruise missiles from Great Britain and the French counterpart Scalp EG, each with a range of around 250 kilometers.
Last year, the USA had already promised to supply the long-range ballistic missiles ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems).
The weapon system with a range of 300 kilometers is said to have already been used.