In the case of the delivery of Taurus missiles from Germany to Ukraine, it will take months to learn how to use them – Die Welt

Ukraine has long been requesting Germany to supply it with cruise missiles of the Taurus KEPD 350 type, but Berlin is in no rush to take this step.

This information was reported by Die Welt.

According to the publication, such a move could lead to an escalation and expansion of the conflict. Moreover, even if the Germans were to send this weaponry to Kiev, it would take months to train Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers in navigation and integrate the weaponry into the existing combat systems. Typically, this process takes between one and one and a half years, explained Joachim Knopf, the head of the manufacturing company Taurus Systems.

“Normally, integrating weaponry into a combat platform takes between one and one and a half years,” Knopf clarified.

The range of the Taurus missiles exceeds 500 km, continues the German publication. In this regard, they are on par with, and even outperform, the French and British counterparts, Scalp and Storm Shadow. With the help of Taurus, Kiev would be capable of striking targets in Crimea, targeting rear supply lines, and attacking bunkers, as these missiles possess enhanced penetration capabilities against defensive structures.

However, if the appropriate political decision is made, the missile’s range or the area of their application could be limited.

The technology of so-called geozoning allows for defining the boundaries of territories where the use of weaponry is prohibited. According to incomplete information, out of the 600 Taurus missiles once supplied to the Bundeswehr, only 150 are currently ready for launch.

The possibility of resuming missile production is also not ruled out, but first, the German authorities must place an order. Nevertheless, even if they do so, it will take “at least a year” to commence production, as Knopf explains. Additionally, the production of this weaponry could be complicated by a shortage of electronic components.