Germany approves EUR 521 million purchase of Meteor missiles for Eurofighters

By Defence Industry Europe

The German Ministry of Defence has announced that the Bundestag's budget committee has approved funding for the procurement of Meteor air-to-air guided missiles. This third batch of missiles, costing approximately EUR 521 million, is part of a follow-up measure to earlier deliveries, enhancing the Eurofighter's combat capabilities.

 

Meteor is a state-of-the-art Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) system developed by MBDA in collaboration with six European nations. Designed to meet the challenges of modern air combat, the missile equips Eurofighter Typhoons with unparalleled precision and lethality, capable of engaging targets from fast jets to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) under all weather conditions.

The missile’s advanced active radar seeker enables reliable target detection and engagement even in cluttered or countermeasure-heavy environments. Furthermore, its data link communication capability allows it to operate within a networked environment, leveraging third-party data for flexible operational deployment.

Meteor’s defining feature is its unique ramjet propulsion system, which ensures sustained thrust throughout its flight. This technology provides the missile with the largest no-escape zone of any air-to-air missile, ensuring targets have minimal chances of evasion. It is also equipped with both impact and proximity fuses, delivering maximum effectiveness against a wide range of threats.

MBDA highlighted that the development of Meteor has been a collaborative effort involving Germany, the UK, Italy, France, Spain, and Sweden. “Meteor revolutionises air combat in the 21st Century,” stated the company, emphasising its adaptability for use on Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, Gripen, and even advanced platforms like the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

 

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