MBDA receives new order for more METEOR from Germany
- The German government has signed a contract for further METEOR missiles
- METEOR harnesses the cutting-edge technology of six European partner nations working in collaboration
- 2025 saw further contracts and testing of METEOR
January 21, 2026 – 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).
Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, declared: “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.”
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. METEOR 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.
Photo courtesy MBDA
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Germany signed a contract on January 21, 2026, to acquire additional METEOR missiles for its Armed Forces. This contract, awarded to MBDA, reflects ongoing confidence in the missile program, which involves collaboration among six European nations. The METEOR missile, known for its advanced ramjet propulsion system, is being integrated into various combat aircraft, including the F-35 and Gripen.
- Germany signed a contract for additional METEOR missiles on January 21, 2026.
- The METEOR missile is developed through a collaboration of six European nations.
- The missile features a ramjet propulsion system for enhanced performance.
- Integration of METEOR onto F-35 aircraft is progressing with successful tests.
- The Brazilian Air Force confirmed successful test firing of METEOR from its Gripen E fighters.