Maiden flight for new Meteor missile with RAF Typhoon

RAF Typhoons have launched for the first time with the Meteor air-to-air missile.

Launching from RAF Lossiemouth on Monday morning (Dec 11th), this marked the culmination of many years of research, development and testing to bring this advanced weapon into service on front-line aircraft.

Meteor boasts new and innovative long-range capability, further enhancing Typhoon’s already potent arsenal. It means RAF Typhoon will be able to target and destroy any airborne threat at great distances with greater efficiency and accuracy.

This year, the jets have been scrambled for a variety of incidents including intercepting Russian bombers approaching UK airspace.

The missile system can fly in any weather condition, perform against all current and known future threats; including combat aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles/missiles and will eventually operate from the F-35 Lightning aircraft.

Crucially, the Meteor and launch aircraft will be networked by a datalink ensuring highly accurate and intelligent air strikes.

Air chief marshal Sir Stephen Hillier commented: “The RAF’s prized Typhoon Force is unquestionably now the cornerstone of British and NATO military power. It has proved itself in combat roles over Libya, Iraq and Syria, protecting UK skies and overseas territories, and providing critical support to our NATO Allies in Eastern Europe.”

Built and manufactured by MBDA in Stevenage, the Meteor missile has created 430 jobs across the country.