In cooperation with Saab and the Swedish Defense Material Administration (FMV), MBDA has concluded missile integration firings with Gripen and the MBDA Meteor BVRAAM
(Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile).

Conducted in March 2014, these latest firings further verified Meteor integration with the Gripen and validated the Meteor’s seeker performance and range. As the last major trial remaining before the Meteor is cleared for operational service on the Gripen.

In the tests, two Meteors were fired at remotely-controlled targets. The tests demonstrated missile safe separation from the aircraft and datalink functions between the aircraft and missile.  The March 2014 trials included firings at both low and high altitude and at speed while the launch aircraft was maneuvering, as well as demonstrating a long engagement range, engagement of maneuvering targets, aircraft/missile datalink functionality and missile seeker performance.

As noted by Tobias Anderson, Project Manager for Meteor integration with Saab;

“For Saab Aeronautics it has been a privilege to work together with the Meteor team during the development program. The integration of this capability for the Swedish Air Force is a first for this kind of BVR missile. Sweden now has a head start in developing strategies to use this capability in air combat.”

In addition to Sweden, MBDA is also working with France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom to develop and field the Meteor BVRAAM.   The Meteor is a highly advanced, long-range and agile air-to-air weapon that is uniquely designed to counter the most sophisticated airborne threats of the 21st century.

Click here for the Meteor data sheet.

For more information, see the press releases from MBDA and Saab. Photo courtesy of FMV.