Sweden Supercharges Gripen Jets with Advanced Taurus Cruise Missile Technology
Sweden has initiated dialogues with Germany to acquire and implement the Taurus KEPD-350 air-launched cruise missile onto its Saab JAS 39 Gripen C fighter jets. According to an official statement from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), this missile is expected to be operational with an initial capability on the Gripen C, followed by a planned integration for the Gripen E under the MS23 project.
FMV has been tasked with procuring the Taurus KEPD-350 from Germany and managing its integration onto the Gripen C. Saab has been directed to perform time-critical tasks for integration evaluations, which will assess the technical requirements for the missile’s deployment. The expected operational rollout, including deliveries of the MS20 Block 4 software upgrade, is anticipated by 2028.
The Taurus KEPD-350 is a long-range, precision-guided missile co-developed by Germany and Sweden, specifically designed for deep strikes against fortified and robust targets. While it was originally crafted for compatibility with the Gripen platform, Sweden had not previously acquired the system.
This decision aligns with Sweden’s comprehensive air force modernization strategy, which involves gradually phasing out 45 Gripen C/D aircraft from its current fleet of 105. These will be replaced with newly manufactured Gripen E/F fighter jets, while 60 existing Gripen C/Ds will receive upgrades to maintain operational efficacy.
The Gripen has previously demonstrated the Taurus missile at air shows, but it is still unclear whether live-firing trials have been conducted. The impending integration project will determine the necessary adjustments needed for the aircraft and its armament systems.
As a NATO member, Sweden may also explore alternative strike options such as the American AGM-158 JASSM, which is already in operation with allied nations such as Poland. Nonetheless, the Taurus KEPD-350 remains a highly capable option, comparable to the British-French Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG missile.
The Taurus missile features an impressive range of 500 km, operates at high-subsonic speeds (Mach 0.95), and can navigate at very low altitudes to avoid radar detection. It is equipped with a 481 kg MEPHISTO warhead, designed for deep penetration into hardened structures through a dual-stage detonation method.
