Meteor Missile

Brand: MBDA
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System Active radar seeker with two-way datalink
Maximum Speed Over Mach 4
Launch Compatibility Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, Gripen
Warhead Technology Proximity-fused fragmentation warhead

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	Meteor
Type / Role	Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM)
Country of Origin	United Kingdom / Europe
Manufacturer	MBDA (Airbus, BAE Systems, Leonardo)
Service Entry / Year Introduced	2016
Operational Status	Active

2. Performance & Range

Range	160+ km (Long Range)
Speed	Mach 4+ (Supersonic)
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	>20,000 m
Accuracy (CEP)	<5 meters
Warhead Type	High-Explosive Fragmentation

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	Active radar with midcourse datalink
Targeting Mode	Fire-and-Forget / Midcourse Update
Launch Platform Compatibility	Rafale, Typhoon, Gripen
Seeker Type	Active Radar Homing

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	3.65 m
Diameter	0.18 m
Wingspan	0.60 m
Launch Weight	185 kg
Propulsion	Throttleable Ramjet Motor

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	30 kg
Explosive Type	High-Explosive Fragmentation
Detonation Mechanism	Proximity Fuse
Payload Options	Conventional Only

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Long Range
Deployment Platform	Air-launched
Target Types	Aircraft, UAVs, Cruise Missiles
Combat Proven	Yes
Users / Operators	UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

Extended no-escape zone (>100 km)
Ramjet propulsion maintains high energy throughout flight
Resistant to jamming and countermeasures
Network-enabled targeting via datalink
Compatible with multiple NATO aircraft

CONS

High production and maintenance cost
Limited U.S. platform compatibility
Export restrictions due to technology sensitivity
Requires advanced radar integration
Complex maintenance logistics

Meteor Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile

The Meteor is a cutting-edge beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) developed by MBDA, a European defense consortium consisting of Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. Designed for air superiority in modern aerial warfare, Meteor offers unmatched engagement capability against maneuvering and stealth targets at long range.

Advanced Design and Capabilities

Originating from the United Kingdom and Europe, the Meteor entered operational service in 2016 and has since been integrated into advanced fighter aircraft including the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, and Saab Gripen. The missile is characterized by its ramjet propulsion system, enabling sustained high supersonic speeds of over Mach 4 and maintaining energy throughout its flight path—providing superior “no-escape zones” compared to conventional solid-fuel missiles.

With an operational range of over 100 miles (160+ km), the Meteor can engage agile enemy aircraft long before they can return fire. It employs an active radar seeker for autonomous midcourse and terminal guidance, supported by a two-way datalink that allows in-flight targeting updates. Its proximity-fused fragmentation warhead ensures lethal effect even against highly maneuverable or low-observable targets.

Operational Effectiveness

Meteor has been combat-proven in numerous training and readiness scenarios across NATO forces. The missile is known for its “fire-and-forget” capability, resistance to electronic countermeasures, and network-centric warfare compatibility, making it a key component of modern Western air defense doctrine.

Meteor Missile Price in United State

While the Meteor is not a U.S.-manufactured weapon, its estimated unit cost ranges between $2.5 million and $3 million (USD) depending on configuration and integration platform. Prices may vary with export licensing, technology transfer, and support packages.

Reviews

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