New details suggest Germany’s upcoming Taurus Neo cruise missile will feature a new, more efficient engine, potentially increasing its range by 15–20% and replacing US-made components that currently restrict exports, according to Defense Express. As part of efforts to address Europe’s shortage of long-range missiles, Germany plans to restart Taurus production in the modernized Neo variant, with Taurus Systems GmbH expected to invest €400–500 million to enable future mass production.
These plans were reinforced on 18 December 2025, when TAURUS Systems GmbH and Germany’s BAAINBw signed a contract to prepare serial production of the enhanced TAURUS NEO stand-off guided missile. The agreement supports large-scale production in Germany and strengthens the Bundeswehr’s deep-strike capabilities, providing the German Air Force with a precision missile capable of penetrating enemy air defenses from over 500 kilometers away. MBDA says the program boosts European and NATO deterrence, builds on ongoing modernization work, and aligns with its broader investment to significantly expand missile production capacity across Europe. MBDA writes:
TAURUS Systems GmbH (TSG), an MBDA/SAAB Joint Venture, and the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) signed a contract preparing a serial production line to produce a capability enhanced TAURUS NEO stand-off guided missile system. Against this backdrop, MBDA plans to produce large quantities in Germany.
Thomas Gottschild, MBDA Executive Group Director Strategy, declared:
“MBDA has always been committed to delivering decisive capabilities that ensure European sovereignty. With TAURUS NEO, Germany is specifically building up its state-of-the-art deep strike capabilities, thereby providing a critical contribution to the deterrence capabilities of Europe and NATO. In so doing, MBDA demonstrates its unique expertise in Europe, offering a comprehensive portfolio of deep strike solutions launched from the ground, air, surface, and sub-surface.”
The Bundeswehr is strengthening its deep strike capability with the procurement of TAURUS NEO. This missile enables the German Air Force to overcome enemy air defence systems from a safe distance, minimizing the risks to pilots and platforms. With a range of over 500 kilometres and the highest standards in terms of precision, TAURUS makes an important contribution to deterrence and to national and allied defence.
MBDA has already begun work on developing the new technologies in the framework of the TAURUS maintenance and modernization contract received in December 2024. This enhances the earliest possible availability of the first systems. In addition, the new contract provides further development of new and advanced capabilities, and the expanded production capacity of the TAURUS modular stand-off weapon.
Between 2023 and 2025 MBDA will have doubled the production of new missiles for the group as a whole and will continue to invest EUR 2.4 billion between 2025 and 2029 to ensure the ramp-up of production over the coming years.
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