The most desirable weapon: FT explained why Taurus rocket is necessary for the Armed Forces

Taurus missiles, like British Storm Shadow and French Scalp-EG, have about the same length and weight. However, the true difference between the German rocket is its intellectual Mephisto warhead system. As noted in the publication, unlike ordinary warheads that detonate at a given point in time, Mepisto is able to break through several layers of material.

Its innovative detonator, which activates the warhead, can be programmed to work in the optimal place, providing maximum damage to such objects as bridges and bunkers. The rocket also contains a turbo fan engine that increases the air supply, providing it with a greater flight range compared to Storm Shadow/Scalp-EG missiles equipped with turbojet engines.

According to Doctor of Science in Missile Technologies at Oslo Fabian Hoffman University, the Taurus rocket can affect targets up to 250 km away than its British and French competitors. In addition, thanks to stealth technology and rocket design, it is able to fly up to 50 meters high, which allows it to evade the detection of most radars. According to journalists, the Armed Forces of Spain, South Korea and Germany have reserves of Taurus missiles, but none of them was used in hostilities.

Storm Shadow/Scalp-EG missiles are produced by MBDA in the United Kingdom and France. The first use of these winged missiles took place last year in Ukraine. The United Kingdom and France did not reveal the exact number of missiles sent to Ukraine. However, according to Hoffman, the UK had 850 units before sending the Storm Shadow missiles to Kiev. At the same time, France had up to 460 SCalp-EG missiles before delivery.

At the end of last year, the United States began the supply of a military tactical rocket system known as ATCMS (Army Tactical Missile System), which includes ballistic missiles. These missiles, designed by Lockheed Martin, can be launched from ground launches and have a maximum range up to 300 kilometers. However, rockets put to Kiev are older models with a flight range up to 165 kilometers.

"Any missiles sent to Ukraine are likely to come from the Bundesver, which has about 600 Taurus missiles, although, according to Hoffmann, only half of them are likely to be capable," the newspaper said. We will remind, on March 1, German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz stated that it is refrained from the supply of Taurus missiles to Ukraine, as their range could enable Kiev "to achieve a specific goal somewhere in Moscow.