If Germany sends Taurus missiles to Ukraine, Russia has a major Crimean Bridge problem

 

Germany Commits €5 Billion in New Aid to Ukraine — But No Taurus Missiles Yet

Germany has pledged €5 billion in new aid to Ukraine, but hopes that Berlin might finally send its long-requested Taurus cruise missiles remain unfulfilled.

Speculation reignited on May 26 when Chancellor Friedrich Merz made a statement suggesting the removal of restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied weapons for strikes inside Russia.

“There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine — not by the U.K., France, or us. The U.S. has no such restrictions either,” Merz said.

However, the following day, Merz clarified that he was referring to permissions granted by Ukraine’s allies last year, not new decisions. Still, his reference to “us” stirred renewed hopes that Taurus deliveries might be imminent — even though Germany currently supplies Ukraine with no long-range systems affected by those permissions.

“It’s good news that these restrictions have been lifted,” said Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian MP and chair of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee. “But where are the missiles? Where is Taurus?”

Why Taurus Hasn't Been Sent

Germany's reluctance to send Taurus missiles has long been associated with former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who blocked their delivery due to fears of escalation. Meanwhile, Ukraine has employed U.S. ATACMS and Anglo-French Storm Shadow missiles for deep-strike operations for over a year.

According to missile expert Fabian Hoffmann, the Taurus has become a symbol of Germany’s hesitation. “Delivering Taurus now would be less about Ukraine and more about Germany correcting that image,” he said.

Unlike Scholz, Merz has taken a more open stance. In April, he suggested Taurus could be used to target Russian logistics in Crimea — including the Crimean Bridge. In an interview with ARD, he stressed that Ukraine must transition from a reactive to a proactive military posture and “shape events on the battlefield.”

The Taurus Advantage

Produced by MBDA Deutschland, the Taurus cruise missile is often compared to the Storm Shadow. Both are designed for deep-strike missions, but Taurus has several technical advantages.

It features a programmable warhead capable of penetrating hardened targets like bunkers before detonating, and an efficient engine that extends its range — potentially up to 700–800 kilometers, according to Hoffmann. That would place many key Russian targets well within reach.

Taurus is air-launched, meaning it would be deployed from aircraft such as Ukraine’s newly acquired F-16s or potentially Swedish Gripen jets.

“Taurus is the best system in the West’s arsenal to take down bridges,” Hoffmann emphasized. “If Ukraine wants to destroy the Crimean Bridge, Taurus is the ideal weapon.”

Why the Crimean Bridge Matters

Built after Russia’s 2014 illegal annexation of Crimea, the $4 billion Crimean Bridge is a crucial logistics route for Moscow and a personal vanity project for Vladimir Putin. It has already been targeted twice by Ukraine — in October 2022 and July 2023 — suffering damage but remaining operational.

Taurus missiles could provide the firepower Ukraine needs to change that.

What’s Holding Up Delivery?

So far, there’s been no confirmation of Taurus deliveries.

“We do not comment on speculation around political decisions,” said a spokesperson for MBDA Deutschland. “But MBDA stands ready to support the German government and Ukraine with integration, training, and logistics if a political decision is made.”

Experts note that while Taurus would have been more impactful in 2023, Ukraine now has more domestic drone and missile options. Still, Hoffmann sees value in adding Taurus to Kyiv’s arsenal.

“In 2023, Ukraine had to use Storm Shadows for everything. Now, Taurus could be saved for truly strategic targets,” he said. “Yes, small drones with 50kg warheads can do a lot, but quantity matters.”

A Matter of Stockpiles

Ultimately, the Taurus debate may be less about shifting the war’s outcome and more about keeping Ukraine’s long-range strike capability viable.

“Storm Shadow and SCALP are running low. Taurus would extend Ukraine’s ability to strike deep,” Hoffmann said. “It’s not a game-changer on its own, but it adds to the pool — and that’s crucial.”