The UK MoD announced a deal with France to jointly develop a successor to the Meteor ramjet-powered BVRAAM, starting with the exploration of different concepts.
According to the bilateral deal between the UK and France, the work on a Meteor BVRAAM successor will begin soon for long-range employment from legacy and future fighters.
A one-year study will explore the future threats, new missile concepts, and viable technologies to establish a roadmap.
New air-to-air missile technologies include multi-pulse rocket engines improving endgame kinematics, AESA RF seekers with better jamming resistance as well as acquisition performance, and multi-mode seekers.
Meteor BVRAAM, thanks to the sustained propulsion provided by the solid fuel ramjet, stands as one of the longest ranged air-to-air missiles in the Western Bloc. The missile is available to Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, and JAS-39 Gripen fighters.
Another recent major cooperation in missile development and procurement between the UK and France is the STRATUS LO subsonic land attack cruise missile to succeed Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles with improved low observability, guidance, and range. STRATUS LO will be available to aircraft and potentially warships through the Sylver A70 VLS.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
