Germany sets sight on JASSM extended range cruise missiles as potential Taurus successor
Lockheed has been asked to make changes to the JASSM missile so as it could be carried by the F-35 fighter. (Photo: US DoD/Air Force)
The extended range air-to-surface standoff missiles could reportedly replace Germany's coveted Taurus missiles in the long-term.
Germany has reportedly begun the ordering process for AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range (JASSM-ER) rounds from the US.
The JASSM missile orders were said to be linked with the F-35 order Germany has been expected to formalise.
German news outlet Bild said the new systems could replace existing Taurus missiles, one of the most modern weapon systems in use by the German military, in the long term. The out-of-service date of the Taurus, however, has not yet been disclosed by the Bundeswehr.
According to Bild, a number of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles were part of the F-35 fighter deal, but
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Leonardo plans to fly uncrewed fighters alongside M-346 aircraft by mid-2026]()
Leonardo plans to fly uncrewed fighters alongside M-346 aircraft by mid-2026
The two uncrewed fighter aircraft will be made in conjunction with Baykar, which joined forces with Leonardo under LBA Systems in June 2025 to develop and produce uncrewed aerial systems for the international market.
-
![UK firm Skycutter comes out top in first US Drone Dominance Program competition]()
UK firm Skycutter comes out top in first US Drone Dominance Program competition
The startup was the only UK company to take part in the first Gauntlet for the programme, joining forces with its Ukraine partner to participate in the event.
-
![Robinson launches new uncrewed aircraft business unit, unveils new UAS cargo platform]()
Robinson launches new uncrewed aircraft business unit, unveils new UAS cargo platform
The new entity incorporates crewed and uncrewed capabilities to tackle a variety of mission demands in both defence and commercial markets.
-
![Switzerland faces procurement shake-up with reduced F-35 buy and five-year Patriot delays]()
Switzerland faces procurement shake-up with reduced F-35 buy and five-year Patriot delays
The reduction in the number of planned F-35A aircraft from 36 to 30 by the Swiss government comes due to budget constraints, with no firm plans to fill the gap despite “negative consequences”.
-
![What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?]()
What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?
The USAF plans to phase out its 162 in-operation A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs by the end of FY2026, replacing them with F-35As which will bring a leap in capabilities in terms of lethality, survivability and speed.
