The German Air Force tested an MBDA Meteor long-range air-to-air missile from a Eurofighter that took from British Air Base in Scotland for the first time.
In Lossiemouth, Scotland, a German Air Force Eurofighter fired the Meteor guided missile for the first time. With a range of up to 200 kilometres, the missile complements the fighter jet’s weapon mix.
Until now, the Eurofighter was equipped with the short-range guided missile IRIS-TInfra-Red Imaging System–Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled– a heat-seeking guided missile – and the medium-range guided missile AMRAAM Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile.
The long-range guided missile Meteor complements the weapon mix for distances beyond the pilots’ visual range.
The flight tests with Meteor, which started in July 2021, turned into live fire tests three years later.
According to the German Defence Ministry, Scotland was preferred for the trials as Germany is a very densely populated area, and the Atlantic Ocean is available to launch the guided missiles over sea.
Meteor is a long-range and high-precision air-to-air missile developed by MBDA. It aims to minimize the target’s chance of escape by offering high speed and manoeuvrability even at long ranges, thanks to its solid-fuel ramjet engine. In addition to the Meteor, Luftwaffe Eurofighters are equipped with missiles such as the short-range IRIS-T and the medium-range AIM-120 AMRAAM.
Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy use the Meteor on Eurofighter aircraft. In addition, France has integrated the Meteor into the Dassault Rafale platform. Sweden uses the Meteor missile on its Saab JAS-39 Gripen aircraft. The United Kingdom is also completing the integration process with the F-35B Lightning II aircraft.
Germany recently approved an investment of €521 million to improve its air combat capability. Deliveries will begin in 2027. The missile will also undergo a mid-life upgrade (MLU) program.
