Germany moves ahead with TAURUS NEO missile production
Germany has taken a formal step toward serial production of the TAURUS NEO missile, signing a contract to establish a domestic manufacturing line for the upgraded long range stand off weapon. The agreement involves the Bundeswehr and TAURUS Systems GmbH, a joint venture between MBDA and Saab.
The move signals a shift in German defense planning, as Berlin seeks to rebuild deep strike capacity after years of limited missile stockpiles. TAURUS NEO is positioned as a central element of that effort, with production intended to take place at a German facility.
Building industrial capacity at scale
According to MBDA, the new agreement focuses on preparing the industrial infrastructure needed for high rate production. The company has framed TAURUS NEO as a capability enhanced evolution of the existing TAURUS cruise missile, optimized for modern air defense environments.
The missile is designed to offer a range beyond 500 kilometers, combined with low observability features and advanced guidance. These characteristics are intended to allow German Air Force aircraft to engage fixed targets from outside the reach of hostile surface to air systems.
Development already underway
MBDA confirmed that technology development for TAURUS NEO began under a maintenance and modernization contract signed in late 2024. Early work is aimed at reducing risk and accelerating initial deliveries once full scale production begins.
The company also emphasized that the missile retains a modular architecture, allowing future upgrades as operational requirements evolve.
Broader European production push
The TAURUS NEO effort comes as MBDA expands missile production across Europe. The manufacturer expects to have doubled output between 2023 and 2025 and plans to invest 2.4 billion euros from 2025 to 2029 to further increase capacity.
For Germany, the program reflects a broader industrial and strategic realignment, reinforcing national manufacturing capabilities while contributing to NATO deterrence.
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