Taurus KEPD-350 Missile Soon to Be Operational on Swedish Gripen Fighter Jets Enabling Long-Range Precision Strikes
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Sweden has initiated negotiations with Germany to integrate the Taurus KEPD-350 air-launched cruise missile into its fleet of Saab JAS39 Gripen C/D fighters, according to a recent document from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), highlighted by The Aviationist. This initiative is part of a broader plan to modernize Sweden’s air force, which includes the gradual phase-out of 45 Gripen C/D aircraft from the current fleet of 105. These will be replaced with newly built Gripen E/F variants and 60 upgraded Gripen C/Ds.
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The integration of the Taurus KEPD-350 on the Gripen C is expected to reach initial operational capability by 2028, with its integration on the Gripen E to follow at a later stage (Picture source: Saab)
The integration of the Taurus KEPD-350 on the Gripen C is expected to reach initial operational capability by 2028, with its integration on the Gripen E to follow at a later stage. Saab, one of the development partners of the missile alongside MBDA Germany, has previously showcased the KEPD-350 as part of the Gripen’s weapon package, though it remains unclear whether it has been live-fired from the aircraft. As a NATO member, Sweden might also consider alternatives such as the AGM-158 JASSM, already acquired by other alliance members, including Poland.
The Taurus KEPD-350 is a long-range cruise missile designed for precision strikes against fortified targets. It has a range of 500 km and flies at an altitude of only 35 meters above the ground, reaching a speed of Mach 0.95 (approximately 1,170 km/h). Its 481 kg MEPHISTO warhead features a dual-charge configuration, allowing it to penetrate heavily protected structures. Comparable to the British-French Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG, it provides deep-strike capability for strategic targets.
Interest in this missile in Europe has grown, particularly due to its potential deployment in Sweden. In operational scenarios, Gripen aircraft could use Agile Combat Employment (ACE) tactics, utilizing roads and highways as temporary runways to quickly reposition in the Scandinavian terrain. This approach would enhance Sweden’s air force resilience in case of an attack while taking advantage of gaps in Russian defenses to conduct long-range strikes against key targets.
South Korea has also demonstrated the effectiveness of the Taurus KEPD-350, integrating it into its fleet of F-15K Slam Eagles in 2016. The missile was used in live-fire exercises in 2017 and, more recently, in October 2024. Its adoption by other air forces further establishes it as a reliable cruise missile capable of operating in modern threat environments.
Alongside the Taurus KEPD-350 integration, Sweden is upgrading 60 Gripen C/D aircraft as part of an obsolescence management program. These aircraft will be upgraded to the MS20 Block 3 standard starting in 2026, followed by the MS20 Block 4 upgrade in 2028. The modification process, which began in 2024, will continue until 2027, ensuring sufficient operational capability for training missions and the transition to Gripen E. The planned phase-out of 45 Gripen C/Ds will be adjusted depending on the operational availability of the new Gripen E variants.
Sweden’s Gripen program is also directly linked to military assistance for Ukraine. On September 9, 2024, Stockholm announced a $443 million aid package to acquire Gripen spare parts, potentially preparing for a future transfer of aircraft to Kyiv. This support aligns with Sweden’s broader strategy of strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. However, Stockholm remains cautious about the timeline for deliveries, considering ongoing international negotiations and the requirements of its own air force.
The development of the Gripen E program has undergone multiple adjustments since its launch in 2013, particularly to align Swedish requirements with those of international customers. Deliveries to the Swedish and Brazilian air forces began in 2020, and Saab has since received orders for conversion kits to upgrade 20 Gripen C/D aircraft to Gripen E. The aim is to achieve a higher level of technical maturity while slightly slowing production to optimize performance. The Swedish Air Force plans to introduce the Gripen E at Såtenäs Air Base by late 2025, though its initial deployment will be limited.
Additionally, Saab has received a SEK 1.7 billion order to maintain and modernize Taurus KEPD-350 missiles currently in service with the German Air Force. The contract, signed with TAURUS Systems—a joint venture between MBDA Germany and Saab—includes a major system upgrade and ten years of maintenance from 2025 to 2035. These enhancements will improve the missile’s capabilities to meet evolving operational requirements.
The integration of the Taurus KEPD-350 into Sweden’s Gripen fleet represents a significant development in the country’s long-range strike capabilities, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions in Europe. By combining an agile platform like the Gripen with a cruise missile capable of neutralizing strategic targets at extended ranges, Sweden strengthens its deterrence posture and enhances its operational flexibility. Future developments in the Gripen program, as well as decisions regarding Ukraine and Sweden’s air force modernization, will have a lasting impact on the country’s defense strategy in the coming years.
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Sweden has initiated negotiations with Germany to integrate the Taurus KEPD-350 air-launched cruise missile into its fleet of Saab JAS39 Gripen C/D fighters, according to a recent document from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), highlighted by The Aviationist. This initiative is part of a broader plan to modernize Sweden’s air force, which includes the gradual phase-out of 45 Gripen C/D aircraft from the current fleet of 105. These will be replaced with newly built Gripen E/F variants and 60 upgraded Gripen C/Ds.
The integration of the Taurus KEPD-350 on the Gripen C is expected to reach initial operational capability by 2028, with its integration on the Gripen E to follow at a later stage (Picture source: Saab)
The integration of the Taurus KEPD-350 on the Gripen C is expected to reach initial operational capability by 2028, with its integration on the Gripen E to follow at a later stage. Saab, one of the development partners of the missile alongside MBDA Germany, has previously showcased the KEPD-350 as part of the Gripen’s weapon package, though it remains unclear whether it has been live-fired from the aircraft. As a NATO member, Sweden might also consider alternatives such as the AGM-158 JASSM, already acquired by other alliance members, including Poland.
The Taurus KEPD-350 is a long-range cruise missile designed for precision strikes against fortified targets. It has a range of 500 km and flies at an altitude of only 35 meters above the ground, reaching a speed of Mach 0.95 (approximately 1,170 km/h). Its 481 kg MEPHISTO warhead features a dual-charge configuration, allowing it to penetrate heavily protected structures. Comparable to the British-French Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG, it provides deep-strike capability for strategic targets.
Interest in this missile in Europe has grown, particularly due to its potential deployment in Sweden. In operational scenarios, Gripen aircraft could use Agile Combat Employment (ACE) tactics, utilizing roads and highways as temporary runways to quickly reposition in the Scandinavian terrain. This approach would enhance Sweden’s air force resilience in case of an attack while taking advantage of gaps in Russian defenses to conduct long-range strikes against key targets.
South Korea has also demonstrated the effectiveness of the Taurus KEPD-350, integrating it into its fleet of F-15K Slam Eagles in 2016. The missile was used in live-fire exercises in 2017 and, more recently, in October 2024. Its adoption by other air forces further establishes it as a reliable cruise missile capable of operating in modern threat environments.
Alongside the Taurus KEPD-350 integration, Sweden is upgrading 60 Gripen C/D aircraft as part of an obsolescence management program. These aircraft will be upgraded to the MS20 Block 3 standard starting in 2026, followed by the MS20 Block 4 upgrade in 2028. The modification process, which began in 2024, will continue until 2027, ensuring sufficient operational capability for training missions and the transition to Gripen E. The planned phase-out of 45 Gripen C/Ds will be adjusted depending on the operational availability of the new Gripen E variants.
Sweden’s Gripen program is also directly linked to military assistance for Ukraine. On September 9, 2024, Stockholm announced a $443 million aid package to acquire Gripen spare parts, potentially preparing for a future transfer of aircraft to Kyiv. This support aligns with Sweden’s broader strategy of strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. However, Stockholm remains cautious about the timeline for deliveries, considering ongoing international negotiations and the requirements of its own air force.
The development of the Gripen E program has undergone multiple adjustments since its launch in 2013, particularly to align Swedish requirements with those of international customers. Deliveries to the Swedish and Brazilian air forces began in 2020, and Saab has since received orders for conversion kits to upgrade 20 Gripen C/D aircraft to Gripen E. The aim is to achieve a higher level of technical maturity while slightly slowing production to optimize performance. The Swedish Air Force plans to introduce the Gripen E at Såtenäs Air Base by late 2025, though its initial deployment will be limited.
Additionally, Saab has received a SEK 1.7 billion order to maintain and modernize Taurus KEPD-350 missiles currently in service with the German Air Force. The contract, signed with TAURUS Systems—a joint venture between MBDA Germany and Saab—includes a major system upgrade and ten years of maintenance from 2025 to 2035. These enhancements will improve the missile’s capabilities to meet evolving operational requirements.
The integration of the Taurus KEPD-350 into Sweden’s Gripen fleet represents a significant development in the country’s long-range strike capabilities, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions in Europe. By combining an agile platform like the Gripen with a cruise missile capable of neutralizing strategic targets at extended ranges, Sweden strengthens its deterrence posture and enhances its operational flexibility. Future developments in the Gripen program, as well as decisions regarding Ukraine and Sweden’s air force modernization, will have a lasting impact on the country’s defense strategy in the coming years.
