MORE METEOR MISSILES FOR GERMANY

`01. SUMMARY`

Germany has placed a further order for METEOR beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles for the Bundeswehr. The contract reinforces Germany’s role as both a development partner and user of the European missile programme, while signalling continued investment in long-range air combat capability.

`02. KEY FACTS`

a. SUBJECT

MBDA has received an additional contract to supply METEOR missiles to the German Armed Forces.

The source does not state the contract value, missile quantity, delivery schedule or final configuration.

b. ENTITIES

The contract was awarded to MBDA through the Meteor Integrated Joint Programme Office, acting for Germany’s BAAINBw.

METEOR is a European collaborative programme involving Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain and Sweden, with MBDA leading the industrial partnership.

c. LOCATIONS

The procurement concerns Germany and the Bundeswehr.

A key propulsion element, the solid-fuel variable-flow ducted rocket ramjet, is produced in Germany by Bayern-Chemie, an MBDA subsidiary.

d. TIMELINE

The signing date is not stated in the provided source.

In 2025, METEOR activity included F-35 integration progress and a confirmed Brazilian Air Force firing from the F-39E Gripen E.

e. MECHANISM

METEOR is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile designed for long-range air combat.

MBDA’s datasheet describes the system as using an active radar seeker, mid-course inertial guidance with data link, autonomous terminal guidance, impact and RF proximity fuzes, and a blast-fragmentation warhead.

First launch of Meteor missile by German Eurofighter. Freeze frame from video of German Armed Forces

`03. CONTEXT`

In Europe, METEOR is associated with Typhoon, Rafale and Gripen. For fifth-generation integration, work is progressing on F-35A and F-35B.

In Asia, the system is also linked to the KF-21 Boramae (South Korea)

Brazil’s Gripen E test firing shows the missile’s relevance beyond the original European partner group.

`04. ANALYSIS`

Germany’s latest order is more than a stock replenishment. It reflects the durability of a European defence model built around shared operational requirements, cross-border industrial workshare and common air combat capability.

METEOR’s significance lies in its endgame energy. The missile’s ramjet propulsion is intended to sustain thrust deep into the intercept phase, giving the weapon a larger no-escape zone than many conventional medium-range air-to-air missiles. In operational terms, that gives pilots a stronger long-range engagement option against targets attempting to evade after launch.

The source, however, leaves key procurement details open. Without the number of missiles, contract value, delivery timeline or platform allocation, the scale of Germany’s latest acquisition cannot be assessed with precision.

`05. QUOTES`

This latest contract from Germany, one of the missile’s development partners, reflects continued confidence in a programme that unites cutting-edge technologies from six European nations, through a unique partnership led by MBDA, to deliver a common decisive military capability. In 2025, we saw another successful year for METEOR, as nations continued to invest in its air dominance and secure the sovereignty of their airspaces.
Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA