The exercise involved four Gripen E fighters and enabled technicians and pilots to handle and employ the Meteor in conditions designed to mirror combat. The First Air Defence Group took part in the trials, which showed the weapon’s accuracy against distant threats.
Air Major General Breno Diogenes Gonçalves said: “The BVR X was a crucial step in expanding the capabilities of the F 39E Gripen. The Gripen and METEOR combination projects Brazil’s combat power and strengthens the deterrence required by our Air Force and, above all, by the country. With advanced sensors, mission systems and electronic warfare capabilities, combined with a missile designed to make evasion virtually impossible, this combination provides a decisive advantage in air combat.”
Peter Dölling said: “The success of this operation reflects the strong partnership between the Brazilian Air Force, Saab and MBDA. Through this close collaboration, we are bringing cutting edge technology to Brazil. The Gripen and METEOR combination places the country among the few nations worldwide with access to this level of air combat innovation.”
Ricardo Mantovani said: “METEOR is one of the best examples of what is at the core of MBDA’s DNA: cooperation. It is the result of the joint effort of six European nations, led by MBDA, to create the most sophisticated air to air weapon system in operation today. The missile, already certified for use with Gripen E in Sweden, is a game changer that ensures air superiority for its operator. Brazil now benefiting from this capability is an element of pride for MBDA.”
Saab said the missile’s ramjet provides sustained thrust and allows a wide engagement envelope against fast and manoeuvring targets in any weather or electronic warfare environment. It added that the Mirach 100/5 drones used as targets replicated the performance of modern fighter aircraft to provide realistic evaluation conditions.
The Brazilian Air Force noted that several units supported the exercise, including the Operational Applications Institute, which received transferred knowledge on missile employment. Saab and MBDA also supported the preparations, which included patrol aircraft to secure the maritime area for safe launch conditions.
Source: Saab (press release).
