Royal Navy officers lead pivotal trials to Arm F-35 jets with Meteor air-to-air missile

The trials mark a major milestone in integrating British weaponry with the cutting-edge F-35 fighter jet. For the first time, the Meteor missile has been loaded into the aircraft’s internal weapons bay and an inert version successfully launched.

The tests were conducted using a US Marine Corps F-35B, piloted by Lt Cdr Baker, to assess how the missile functions in real-world conditions. Several flights with a modified Meteor gathered critical data on how the missile interacts with the aircraft’s systems.

Lt Cdr Roach was in charge of overseeing the trials and highlighted their significance. He stated: “The first flight of a UK weapon on an F-35 aircraft marks a significant milestone, demonstrating the successful integration of British defence technology onto a cutting-edge fighter.”

He further emphasised the collaborative effort behind the achievement, crediting the work of government agencies, industry partners, and the armed forces. The successful tests move the Meteor missile closer to full integration and future deployment on the F-35B.

The trials were made possible through cooperation between the UK and US governments, along with defence organisations such as the Ministry of Defence, Defence Equipment & Support, MBDA, and Lockheed Martin. The UK is leading the integration of the Meteor onto the F-35B, while Italy is overseeing its adaptation for the F-35A model.

The Meteor missile, currently in service with RAF Typhoon jets, is a radar-guided weapon capable of hitting targets at speeds of up to four times the speed of sound. It has a range of up to 120 miles, significantly enhancing the capabilities of the aircraft that deploy it.

This development strengthens the UK’s sovereign defence capabilities and solidifies its position as a leader in advanced air combat technology. Meanwhile, Britain’s F-35 squadrons, 617 Squadron and 809 Naval Air Squadron, are finalising preparations for a major global deployment with HMS Prince of Wales this spring.

Source: Royal Navy.