DefenseBrazilian Gripen E fighter fires first Meteor missile
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) conducted the first firing of an air-to-air Meteor missile from a Saab F-39E Gripen fighter, targeting a drone.
The firing is part of the live-fire exercise within Operation BVR-X, held at Natal Air Base.
According to the FAB, four F-39E fighters participated in the exercise, along with other support aircraft. The firing of the Meteor is one of the stages for the supersonic jet to achieve full operational capability (FOC), which is expected in 2026.
The Meteor is a long-range air-to-air missile produced by MBDA. Guided by an advanced active radar and operating in any weather conditions, it targets agile fighters as well as drones and cruise missiles, even in scenarios with strong electronic interference.
The data link communication allows the pilot to use information from other platforms, enhancing the system’s flexibility and precision in network operations.
The performance of the Meteor comes from its variable flow ramjet engine, which maintains continuous thrust until impact and expands the no-escape zone.
To ensure total destruction, the missile uses impact and proximity fuzes and a fragmentation warhead. In addition to the Gripen, the Meteor is compatible with Typhoon and Rafale fighters, and is a candidate for the F-35.
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