Taurus NEO Missile

Manufacturer: MBDA
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System GPS / INS / Terrain Reference / Imaging IR
Maximum Speed Subsonic (~Mach 0.9)
Launch Compatibility Eurofighter Typhoon, Tornado, Other Fighters
Warhead Technology Penetration / High Explosive

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	Taurus NEO
Type / Role	Long-Range Air-to-Ground Cruise Missile
Country of Origin	Germany
Manufacturer	Taurus Systems GmbH (MBDA & Saab
Service Entry / Year Introduced	2025 (planned)
Operational Status	In production

2. Performance & Range

Range	Over 500 km
Speed	Subsonic
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	Low altitude, terrain following
Accuracy (CEP)	Less than 1 meter
Warhead Type	Deep hardened targets

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	GPS / INS / Terrain Reference / IIR
Targeting Mode	Fire-and-Forget
Launch Platform Compatibility	Fighter Jets (Eurofighter, Tornado)
Seeker Type	Imaging Infrared (IIR)

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	5 m
Diameter	0.48 m
Wingspan	1 m
Launch Weight	1,400 kg
Propulsion	Solid-fuel booster + turbojet

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	480 kg
Explosive Type	Penetration / HE
Detonation Mechanism	Impact / Delay Fuse
Payload Options	Conventional

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Long
Deployment Platform	Air
Target Types	Fortifications, Command Centers, Critical Assets
Combat Proven	Yes (tested in simulations)
Users / Operators	Germany, Spain

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

Exceptional long-range capability (>500 km)
High accuracy with multi-mode guidance
Low observable, subsonic design
Modular and upgradeable systems
Effective against hardened and strategic targets

CONS

Limited operational deployment outside Europe
High acquisition and maintenance cost
Subsonic speed can limit reaction time
Requires advanced launch platforms
Not nuclear-capable

Taurus NEO Long-Range Cruise Missile

The Taurus NEO represents a next-generation long-range cruise missile engineered to provide precision strike capabilities against high-value, well-defended targets. Developed by Germany’s Taurus Systems GmbH, a joint venture led by MBDA Deutschland and Saab Dynamics, the missile is a cornerstone of modern European air-to-ground strike systems. It is designed for deployment from fighter aircraft, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, to deliver strategic and tactical advantages in contested environments.

The missile boasts an impressive range exceeding 500 kilometers, allowing aircraft to engage targets from a safe stand-off distance. Its subsonic speed and low-observable profile make it difficult to detect and intercept, enhancing survivability against modern air defense systems. The Taurus NEO incorporates a dual-stage propulsion system, combining a solid-fuel booster for launch and a turbojet for sustained flight, enabling precise, long-distance strikes.

Guidance is provided through a combination of GPS, inertial navigation, and terrain reference systems, supplemented by an imaging infrared seeker for terminal phase targeting. This multi-mode guidance allows the missile to navigate complex terrain and evade countermeasures while achieving exceptional accuracy, typically under one meter CEP. The missile carries a high-penetration warhead optimized for hardened or fortified targets, making it suitable for disabling command centers, bunkers, and infrastructure.

Operational testing and integration programs in Germany and Spain have demonstrated its effectiveness in simulated combat scenarios. The Taurus NEO is positioned as a strategic asset for NATO-aligned air forces, offering deep strike capability without requiring entry into heavily defended airspace. Its modular design allows for updates in guidance, propulsion, and warhead systems, ensuring adaptability for evolving threats.

Taurus NEO Missile Price

While the Taurus NEO is primarily produced for European users, pricing in the United States would likely align with comparable long-range cruise missiles. Based on missile class and capabilities, a single unit could cost between 1.5 and 2.5 million USD, depending on integration, support packages, and licensing agreements.

Reviews

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