MBDA has received a contract to supply additional Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missiles for the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr).
Following previous orders, this latest contract for Meteor was awarded to MBDA by the Meteor Integrated Joint Programme Office (IJPO) on behalf of the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw).
Multinational Collaboration
Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, said: “Meteor is a defining example of the strength of multinational collaboration in delivering world-leading defence capabilities. 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.”
Ramjet Propulsion
Meteor is the result of a collaborative consortium of European partners led by MBDA. Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain and Sweden are part of that collaboration. The missile is equipped with a ramjet propulsion system, a solid fuel, variable flow, ducted rocket produced in Germany by MBDA subsidiary Bayern-Chemie. This ‘ramjet’ motor provides the missile with thrust all the way to target intercept, giving it a unique ‘No Escape Zone’ larger than many other air-to-air missiles.
The combat air platforms of many nations around the world are equipped with Meteor, including Typhoon, Rafale, Gripen and the KF-21 Boramae. In 2025, Meteor saw integration onto F-35 progress with its first flight on F-35B, and ground test ahead of first flight on F-35A.
In November 2025, the Brazilian Air Force confirmed successful test firing of Meteor from its F-39E Gripen E fighters, underscoring its contribution to Brazil’s air-defence capability.
