Japan, Germany explore joint development of next-generation Taurus missile engine

Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) is in preliminary talks with Germany to co-develop a next-generation turbofan engine for the Taurus air-launched cruise missile. The move could have significant implications for missile propulsion technology across NATO and allied partners.

According to an analysis by Army Recognition, the discussions were first confirmed following a memorandum of understanding signed during a major defence exhibition in Tokyo in May 2025. The partnership would leverage Kawasaki’s expertise in small, fuel-efficient turbofan engines—currently under testing for Japan’s domestic long-range anti-ship missile program—as a potential propulsion solution for the upgraded Taurus NEO missile.

Sources cited by Army Recognition indicate that the Japanese engine promises weight savings, enhanced fuel efficiency, and potentially greater operational range.

Germany plans to procure roughly 600 Taurus NEO missiles, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2029. The Bundeswehr regards the upgraded missile as a cornerstone of its long-range precision strike capabilities. Taurus Systems GmbH, a joint venture between MBDA Deutschland and Saab Dynamics, is leading the modernisation project, which the article highlights as prioritising propulsion improvements to expand operational flexibility across NATO platforms.

The Taurus missile, officially designated KEPD 350, is a combat-proven, air-launched stand-off weapon designed for deep penetration strikes against fortified targets. Army Recognition details that the missile is approximately five meters long, weighs around 1,400 kilograms, and is powered by a turbofan engine.

It incorporates stealth shaping, a dual-stage programmable warhead called the Multi-Effect Warhead (MEW), and advanced navigation systems including GPS, inertial navigation, and terrain-referenced navigation, enabling low-altitude flight with high accuracy.

A key feature of the Taurus missile is its BROACH-style warhead, capable of two-phase detonation. The first charge penetrates hardened targets such as bunkers, while the second follows with delayed ignition to destroy internal structures. This design allows precision strikes with minimised collateral damage. The missile currently integrates with aircraft including the Eurofighter Typhoon, Panavia Tornado, and South Korea’s F-15K.

The inclusion of Japanese propulsion technology in the Taurus NEO has both industrial and geopolitical significance. Historically, Japan has maintained strict restrictions on defebnce exports, but recent policy changes have allowed for more active participation in allied weapons development. Army Recognition emphasises that Kawasaki’s involvement represents a controlled entry into international defence projects, with Japan retaining veto rights over third-party transfers involving co-developed components.

For Germany, dopting a Japanese engine addresses a longstanding dependence on US-made propulsion systems. The current Taurus KEPD 350 uses a variant of the Williams International WR-50 engine. By collaborating with Kawasaki, Germany aims to diversify supply chains and strengthen strategic autonomy while accelerating missile modernisation.

Export policy adds another layer of complexity. Army Recognition observes that Berlin has resisted supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine, citing escalation concerns, and the integration of Japanese components could further complicate future export decisions. Both governments must also clarify legal frameworks, industrial responsibilities, and safeguards before the procurement program’s planned parliamentary submission by the end of 2025.

Operationally, Army Recognition highlights that a Taurus NEO equipped with a next-generation engine could achieve ranges beyond 600 kilometers, improved loiter time, reduced infrared and radar signatures, and greater mission flexibility. Integration with platforms like the F-35A or future European fighters could further enhance the missile’s strategic utility.

Ultimately, article notes that this collaboration demonstrates the strategic importance of propulsion technology in missile development and reflects evolving international defence partnerships. The Kawasaki-Germany initiative may set a precedent for future transnational missile projects, reshaping the global defence landscape by influencing who controls the engines of deterrence and alliance power projection.

By Sabina Mammadli