German Eurofighter Launches Meteor Missile for the First Time

Germany's Armed Forces have confirmed the test launch of the MBDA Meteor long-range air-to-air missile from a Eurofighter fighter jet.

The test, carried out at a British military training ground in Scotland, marks a significant milestone in enhancing the Eurofighter’s combat capabilities. The German Air Force reported that their current fleet of Eurofighters is equipped with the IRIS-T short-range heat-seeking missile and the AMRAAM medium-range missile. The integration of the Meteor missile is expected to improve the aircraft's ability to neutralize threats at extended ranges.

The Meteor missile, which can strike targets over long distances, offers an increase in operational reach and enhances the aircraft's overall deterrence capabilities. "This means that we can now better protect ourselves because targets can be attacked from a long distance and cannot get as close to us. Therefore, the Meteor is also a great asset in terms of deterrence," a German Air Force spokesperson noted.

The full integration of the Meteor missile into German Eurofighters is a complex process. While the German Air Force declared the missile ready for use in Eurofighter jets back in August 2021, more than three years have passed since the completion of flight tests to the first operational launch. The Meteor’s integration followed an intensive testing phase that began in June 2020 and lasted over a year.

The Italian Air Force is experiencing similar challenges. Despite adopting the Meteor missile in 2020, full integration into their fighter jets began only in October 2023, with a phased testing program that is scheduled to continue through 2026.

In response to the ongoing demand for long-range air defense, the German government allocated over €521 million in November 2024 to purchase additional Meteor missiles.