Reuters: Japan, Germany deepen defence ties with Taurus missile engine deal

Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries is reportedly in advanced discussions to co-develop new engines for Germany’s Taurus cruise missiles, marking a notable step in Tokyo’s gradual shift away from its post-World War II pacifist stance, two sources familiar with the matter confirmed.

The Japanese firm signed a memorandum of understanding related to the project during a defence exhibition in Tokyo in May, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, Reuters reports.

Kawasaki declined to comment on the matter. Similarly, MBDA, the European defence company responsible for manufacturing the Taurus missile, refrained from offering any statement at this time.

The Taurus missile program has become a focal point of debate in Germany, especially after Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated earlier this year that Berlin might consider supplying the long-range, air-launched missiles to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The missile has a range exceeding 500 kilometres (311 miles), raising concerns in Moscow, which has warned that such a transfer would implicate Germany directly in the war.

The involvement of a Japanese partner introduces additional complexity due to Tokyo’s longstanding prohibition on exporting weapons to nations engaged in conflict. Nevertheless, Japan has progressively loosened its arms export restrictions as part of a broader reassessment of its defence posture. Recent policy shifts have allowed Japan to export jointly developed fighter jets and Patriot missiles, albeit with stringent controls requiring Tokyo’s approval for any re-exports to third countries.

Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), responsible for overseeing the nation’s defence industry, declined to comment on specific cases but emphasized that any potential transfer of equipment or technology would undergo rigorous examination in line with existing regulations.

Germany intends to seek parliamentary approval for several defence initiatives by the end of the year, including the modernization of the Taurus missile system. Reports suggest that the German military plans to procure approximately 600 units of the next-generation Taurus NEO missiles, with deliveries anticipated to commence in 2029. Spain and South Korea are also users of the Taurus missile system.

While it remains unclear whether Kawasaki’s involvement pertains directly to the Taurus NEO model, one source noted that the Japanese firm was approached for its expertise in developing lighter and more efficient engines. Kawasaki is currently testing a new small turbofan engine designed to power a long-range anti-ship missile under development for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.

Williams International, the American company that supplies engines for the existing Taurus KEPD 350 model, did not respond to requests for comment.

In recent years, both Japan and Germany have sought to diversify their defence supply chains, reducing their heavy reliance on the United States and expanding collaboration with other partners in the defence industry.

By Vafa Guliyeva