UK and France have signed a deal to study a new air-to-air missile. The missile will replace the current Meteor missile. The 12-month study aims to counter future aerial threats.
The two countries agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). They will work together under the Lancaster House 2.0 treaty. The UK and France want to keep their air forces strong for years to come.
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The current Meteor missile is used by both nations. The UK flies it on Typhoon jets. France uses it on Rafale aircraft. The missile operates effectively under harsh electronic warfare conditions.
Future air combat will face faster and smarter threats. The new missile must handle these challenges. The study will analyze the kinds of dangers pilots may face over the next decade.
Engineers will design basic missile concepts during the 12 months. They will look for suitable technologies to build into a next-generation weapon. A roadmap for production will follow.
The missile will help RAF and French Air Force pilots hit enemy targets from far away. It will work autonomously, meaning the missile decides its own path. This keeps pilots safer and increases kill rates.
This is only a study phase. No actual missile will be built during these 12 months. The successor may take many years to develop and test.
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Why This Matter
The project supports NATO’s advanced air warfare capabilities. It also creates a joint Complex Weapons Portfolio Office between the UK and France. Defense Minister Luke Pollard said this close cooperation is exactly what Europe needs to deter adversaries.
According to the UK’s Defense Equipment & Support (DE&S), the study will produce a clear roadmap. This is the first step toward maintaining air superiority for both nations and potential partners.
