MBDA announced that the manufacturing phase of Meteor BVRAAM for ROK’s KF-21 Boramae fighters has started.
ROK and MBDA previously signed a deal to procure 100 Meteor BVRAAMs for KF-21 fighters. The missile will be available in the IOC state, which is planned for 2026.
Meteor ramjet-powered BVRAAM will be one of KF-21’s primary air-to-air munitions alongside German IRIS-T WVRAAM. The missile was test-fired from KF-21 in early 2024 following cooperation on integration between MBDA and KAI.
Meteor’s ducted solid fuel ramjet can adjust the thrust to optimal levels to ensure the burn throughout the flight and maintain higher kinematic performance. Retaining kinetic energy gives more room for terminal manoeuvres, which is essential against agile fighter aircraft. This is an advantage against rocket-powered AAMs, which fly unpowered after the ignition ends.
