First Successful Firing of MBDA Meteor Missile From a German Eurofighter
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On December 6, 2024, the German Air Force marked an advancement in its modernization efforts by successfully conducting the first live-fire test of the long-range MBDA Meteor air-to-air missile from a Eurofighter. This event represents a major milestone for Germany’s operational capabilities and highlights the collaborative nature of European defense development.
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The Meteor, a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), is equipped with an advanced radar seeker and proximity sensor, enabling it to engage targets beyond the pilot’s visual range (Picture source: Bundeswehr)
The test was carried out over the Atlantic Ocean, utilizing the British military range at Lossiemouth, Scotland. The Luftwaffe temporarily deployed its Eurofighters there due to the lack of suitable testing ranges in Germany for operations of this scale. This logistical solution underscores some of the challenges Germany faces regarding domestic defense infrastructure.
Although specific details of the test remain undisclosed, this milestone follows a series of evaluations conducted since 2021. These earlier trials involved non-live test flights aimed at verifying the missile’s specifications and its compatibility with the Eurofighter platform.
The Meteor, a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), is equipped with an advanced radar seeker and proximity sensor, enabling it to engage targets beyond the pilot’s visual range. This capability significantly enhances the Eurofighter’s combat effectiveness and survivability, allowing it to neutralize threats before they enter its operational airspace. The missile weighs 180 kg, measures 3.67 meters in length, and has a range of up to 200 km, making it a crucial addition to the Luftwaffe’s arsenal, which already includes IRIS-T and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles.
This development is not exclusive to Germany. Other European nations, including the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain, employ the Meteor on their Eurofighter fleets, while it also equips platforms such as the Dassault Rafale in France and the Saab Gripen in Sweden. The missile is being integrated into South Korea’s KF-21 next-generation fighter, further illustrating its growing importance within NATO and allied defense frameworks.
In parallel, the Luftwaffe’s 2024 testing campaign included AMRAAM missile launches to validate recent software upgrades under the P3E(b) program. These updates improve the data link capabilities and engagement protocols for the Meteor, ensuring greater precision and operational efficiency.
Germany’s commitment to strengthening its air combat capabilities is reflected in a recent Bundestag-approved investment of €521 million for additional Meteor missiles. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027, reinforcing Germany’s ability to respond to evolving aerial threats. A mid-life upgrade (MLU) program for the Meteor is also underway, focusing on enhancing its propulsion, guidance systems, and data link capabilities.
These efforts align with Germany’s broader National Security and Defense Industry Strategy, which seeks to bolster national capabilities while promoting European defense cooperation. This strategy aims to standardize defense systems, stimulate innovation, and increase Germany’s strategic autonomy. The successful Meteor test exemplifies Germany’s proactive approach to adapting to contemporary security challenges, integrating advanced technology, and maintaining robust partnerships within Europe’s defense architecture.
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On December 6, 2024, the German Air Force marked an advancement in its modernization efforts by successfully conducting the first live-fire test of the long-range MBDA Meteor air-to-air missile from a Eurofighter. This event represents a major milestone for Germany’s operational capabilities and highlights the collaborative nature of European defense development.
The Meteor, a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), is equipped with an advanced radar seeker and proximity sensor, enabling it to engage targets beyond the pilot’s visual range (Picture source: Bundeswehr)
The test was carried out over the Atlantic Ocean, utilizing the British military range at Lossiemouth, Scotland. The Luftwaffe temporarily deployed its Eurofighters there due to the lack of suitable testing ranges in Germany for operations of this scale. This logistical solution underscores some of the challenges Germany faces regarding domestic defense infrastructure.
Although specific details of the test remain undisclosed, this milestone follows a series of evaluations conducted since 2021. These earlier trials involved non-live test flights aimed at verifying the missile’s specifications and its compatibility with the Eurofighter platform.
The Meteor, a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), is equipped with an advanced radar seeker and proximity sensor, enabling it to engage targets beyond the pilot’s visual range. This capability significantly enhances the Eurofighter’s combat effectiveness and survivability, allowing it to neutralize threats before they enter its operational airspace. The missile weighs 180 kg, measures 3.67 meters in length, and has a range of up to 200 km, making it a crucial addition to the Luftwaffe’s arsenal, which already includes IRIS-T and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles.
This development is not exclusive to Germany. Other European nations, including the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain, employ the Meteor on their Eurofighter fleets, while it also equips platforms such as the Dassault Rafale in France and the Saab Gripen in Sweden. The missile is being integrated into South Korea’s KF-21 next-generation fighter, further illustrating its growing importance within NATO and allied defense frameworks.
In parallel, the Luftwaffe’s 2024 testing campaign included AMRAAM missile launches to validate recent software upgrades under the P3E(b) program. These updates improve the data link capabilities and engagement protocols for the Meteor, ensuring greater precision and operational efficiency.
Germany’s commitment to strengthening its air combat capabilities is reflected in a recent Bundestag-approved investment of €521 million for additional Meteor missiles. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027, reinforcing Germany’s ability to respond to evolving aerial threats. A mid-life upgrade (MLU) program for the Meteor is also underway, focusing on enhancing its propulsion, guidance systems, and data link capabilities.
These efforts align with Germany’s broader National Security and Defense Industry Strategy, which seeks to bolster national capabilities while promoting European defense cooperation. This strategy aims to standardize defense systems, stimulate innovation, and increase Germany’s strategic autonomy. The successful Meteor test exemplifies Germany’s proactive approach to adapting to contemporary security challenges, integrating advanced technology, and maintaining robust partnerships within Europe’s defense architecture.
