Sweden’s Saab has received a $161.1 million contract to maintain and modernize Germany’s Taurus KEPD-350 air-launched cruise missiles. The contract has a performance period until 2035.
German subcontractor Taurus Systems, a joint venture between Saab and MBDA Germany, made the order after receiving an initial placement from the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, the German government’s defense procurement office.
KEPD-350 is a modular stand-off weapon system that uses very low-level terrain-following flight to penetrate dense air defenses. As a programmable intelligent multipurpose fuse, it provides warfighters with the technology to detonate at preselected floors.
“Taurus KEPD-350 enables the user to defeat targets at long ranges required for the most demanding air operations,” said Gorgen Johansson, senior vice president and head of business area dynamics at Saab. “The latest upgrades will provide the German Air Force with significant improvements.”
Upgraded Long-Range Strike Missiles
In October, Germany announced plans to upgrade its Taurus missile inventory amid the growing instability in the region. The proposed order would include 600 of the Taurus Neo, the new version of the air-launched missiles, to improve the German forces’ long-range strike capabilities.
The potential $2.18 billion procurement is expected to have its initial delivery by 2029, German news outlet Spiegel reported.