Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced Germany's intention to purchase up to 600 examples of a new variant of the TAURUS long-range air-to-surface standoff missile.
Of the new variant, named TAURUS NEO at the moment, no details are available. However, it is safe to assume that it will have an upgraded seeker, a revised and stealthy airframe, a new propulsion system to increase its range, and some form of autonomy to allow for automatic in-flight mission reprogramming, as well as a network-centric capability.
The launch aircraft will most likely be the Eurofighter TYPHOON, as the TAURUS is currently being launched by the TORNADO IDS fighter-bombers, which are close to retirement.
Developing the TAURUS EVO and acquiring it in the expected numbers could cost more than 2 billion euros, with deliveries estimated to begin in 2029. Pistorius' announcement comes after the launch of the European Long Range Strike Approach (ELSA)- a French-led initiative that also includes Germany, Italy, the UK and Poland-to develop new missiles with a range of 1,000 to 2,000 km.
ELSA was born in the context of the changed security environment in Europe, characterized by the flare-up of conflict between the West and Russia, a flare-up that culminated in the War in Ukraine, and the end of the INF Treaty, which prohibited the development and acquisition of ground-launched cruise and ballistic missiles with ranges above 500 km (and up to 5,500 km).