Getting To Know Taurus Missiles, German Missiles That Can Attack Remote Military Facilities

Taurus Missile Illustration (mbda-systems)

YOGYAKARTA Not many people know the Taurus missile, a missile that is said to be seconded to Ukraine. In general, the Taurus Missile (KEPD-350 Missile) is a sophisticated missile from Germany. The missile has considerable destructive power.

Quoted from various sources, the Taurus missile is used by the German military (Bundeswehr) to destroy high-value targets such as bunkers, command posts, air bases, ports, control and communication centers, ammunition storage facilities, bridges, ships at ports, and even runways. Taurus missiles can also be launched at any time, both day and night, and can be used in various weather conditions.

The length of this missile reaches 5 meters weighing 1.4 tons. The Taurus missile has a Mephisto warhead weighing 500 kilograms. Despite weighing 1.4 tons, this missile is capable of being launched from the air using a fighter plane. When launched to the target, Taurus was able to reach a speed of 1,170km/hour with a range of 500 kilometers so it is safe enough for launchers.

Quoted from the Forces website, the missile, also known as the Bunkerlobe, is also capable of penetrating enemy air defenses and hitting quite hard punches. This missile has two warhead stages, the first stage to destroy hard targets or targets buried in the ground. While the next warhead is capable of damaging buildings or bunkers from within.

When launched, Taurus's flag did not go straight to the target but it would rise sharply and then dive towards the target very quickly.

On the Airforce Technology website, it is stated that the Taurus KEPD 350 is powered by the Williams P8300-15 Turbofan engine. Control of this missile is carried out via the Tri-Tec navigation system. Missile navigation can also be carried out remotely without a GPS subsystem. In addition, Taurus is also equipped with an integrated mission planning system to determine its flight path.

The price per Taurus missile unit reached 1 million Euros or approximately Rp. 16.6 billion. This mission is also used to strengthen national defense, for example Spain. The country has approximately 43 KEPD 350 obtained through the Sener contractor. Spain ordered Taurus to strengthen their air force. The missile itself was delivered in August 2010.

The German Bundeswehr military itself has approximately 600 missile systems. However, only 150 missiles are ready to use. Bundeswehr also only uses Tornado or Eurofighter jets as Taurus launch vehicles.

In addition, Ukraine is also rumored to be receiving the Taurus Missile from Germany. This information was conveyed by a member of Berlin's federal parliament.

Quoted from Thedrive, Roderich Kiesewetter of Christian Democratic Union (CDU), a federal lawmaker since 2009, and former general staff, is encouraging the German coalition government to immediately approve the transfer of Taurus to Ukraine.

"Taurus will be a real contribution from Germany," Kiesewetter told reporters.

However, there are still objections to the idea of sending Taurus to Ukraine from the German cabinet such as the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the 90/The Greens Alliance, and the Free Democratic Party.

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