Germany Stop Production of Taurus Cruise Missiles After No New Orders Received from Berlin
European defence company, MBDA has decided to stop the production of "Taurus" long-range cruise missiles after it did not receive any new orders for the high-effective cruise missiles from the German government.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – European defence company, MBDA has decided to stop the production of “Taurus” long-range cruise missiles after it did not receive any new orders for the high-effective cruise missiles from the German government.
Quoted by German media, head of MBDA’s subsidiary in Germany Thomas Gottschild stated that they cannot continue manufacturing the cruise missiles even for stockpile.
According to Gottschild, the production of Taurus cruise missiles can only proceed upon receiving orders.
“It poses a challenge to the industry when production is disrupted, as in the case of the Taurus cruise missiles. In our case, our suppliers, which are small and medium-sized companies, have to halt production due to the absence of orders,” he said.
He further explained that the defense industry requires large-scale production to maintain the supply chain, ensure testing equipment is in optimal condition, and uphold the knowledge and effectiveness of workers at the highest level.
However, Gottschild noted that the company will shift its focus to producing approximately 1,000 guided missiles for the “Patriot” air defense system following orders received from several European countries.
MBDA will collaborate with Raytheon in producing the missiles through Raytheon’s defense facility in Schrobenhausen, Germany.
“The company will produce the first Patriot guided missiles within a three-year period,” Gottschild stated.
The German government’s decision in February not to allow the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine further hindered MBDA’s production of the missiles.
The Ukrainian military sought Taurus cruise missiles from Germany to counter Russian forces and disrupt their supply routes.
Berlin feared that approving the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine would drag Germany into open warfare with Russia.
“It’s a weapon with profound impact, as seen with Britain and France sending Storm Shadow and SCALP cruise missiles to Ukraine. It’s something Germany cannot do. Germany cannot be associated with what this weapon (Taurus) can do. Therefore, delivering the weapon (to Ukraine) is not on the agenda (of the German government),” said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to reporters in Berlin in February.