Germany has achieved a significant milestone in its air defense capabilities by successfully test-firing the MBDA Meteor long-range air-to-air missile from a Luftwaffe Eurofighter for the first time. The test was conducted at a British military facility in Scotland, which was selected due to the lack of appropriate testing ranges in Germany.
Currently, Germany’s Eurofighter fleet is armed with the short-range IRIS-T heat-seeking missile and the medium-range AMRAAM. The integration of the Meteor missile is expected to greatly enhance these aircraft’s combat capabilities, allowing them to engage and neutralize threats at much greater distances. The German Air Force emphasized that the Meteor missile “contributes immensely to the Eurofighter’s standing as a weapon system,” highlighting the benefit of being able to attack targets from significant ranges, thereby enhancing overall defensive measures and deterrence strategies.
The Meteor missile is a sophisticated piece of technology, weighing 190 kilograms (418 pounds) and measuring 3.7 meters (12.1 feet) in length with a diameter of 178 millimeters (7 inches). It boasts an impressive range of up to 200 kilometers (124 miles) and utilizes an advanced active radar seeker to target a wide array of threats, including agile fighter jets, small unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles.
This missile system has been developed through a collaborative effort among the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and Sweden, and it equips several advanced fighter aircraft in NATO and allied air forces, including the Rafale, Gripen, and F-35 Lightning II.
In tandem with this developmental progress, Germany is also planning the establishment of a new testing and development facility for the Eurofighter fleet in Manching, located in the southern region of the country. This initiative involves personnel from both the air force and the German Armed Forces Technical Center for Aircraft and Aviation Equipment, aiming to integrate new features and refinements to the Eurofighter over the upcoming year. This strategic move reflects Germany’s commitment to enhancing its air defense capabilities in the face of evolving military challenges.
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