MBDA: Ukrainian Armed Forces capable mastering Taurus missiles in three months

25 September, 2023 Eurofighter with Taurus missiles. Photo credits: Taurus Systems The Ukrainian military are able to master Taurus long-range missiles in three months.

Such terms, if the transfer of missiles is approved, is given by the MBDA manufacturer. The problems with Germany's transfer of Taurus long-range missiles to Kyiv are the lengthy training of the Ukrainian military and the specialists who have to program the missile targets. "The manufacturer MBDA expects about three months to familiarize the Ukrainian military with the weapon system," the statement said.

In addition, the programming of Taurus targets must take place in Ukraine, so it is unlikely that Bundeswehr soldiers will do it for political reasons.

TAURUS KEPD 350 cruise missile. Photo: South Korean Defense Ministry from Getty Images

Because of this, it will take even longer before the Ukrainian army can deploy missiles, even if the exercises are accelerated. A possible intermediate solution is to involve specialists who do not belong to the Bundeswehr or the German authorities, who will program the targets in Ukraine.

Markus Faber, a member of the Bundestag from the Free Democratic Party, criticized the government, pointing out that Kyiv had sent the first request for missiles more than four months ago, and that time could have been used to successfully complete the training. "The Chancellor's (Olaf Scholz) arguments for delay are no longer valid. Common sense dictates that the Taurus should be delivered (to Ukraine) immediately," he said.

Over the past few months, Germany has been discussing the supply of Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

TAURUS KEPD 350 cruise missile.

Photo: Saab

Kyiv needs such weapons to strike at the rear positions of the Russian invaders.

Back on September 15, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that the decision on the transfer could be made within one to two weeks.