RAF Typhoons launched from RAF Lossiemouth this morning for
the first time with the Meteor Air-to-Air missile in
defence of UK airspace during a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA)
mission.
This event represents the culmination of many years of
research, development and testing to bring this advanced
weapon into service on front-line aircraft.
RAF Typhoons maintain a constant state of readiness to
defend the sovereignty of British skies. The introduction
of Meteor brings a new and innovative long-range capability
and further enhances Typhoon’s already potent arsenal. This
year they have been scrambled for a variety of incidents
including intercepting Russian bombers approaching UK
airspace.
Defence Secretary said:
This latest missile system demonstrates the next chapter
of the Typhoon which will see the jet evolve its ability
to target and destroy any airborne threat at great
distances. The Meteor missile will provide an unrelenting
deterrence to those who wish harm upon the UK and our
Armed Forces.
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.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen
Hillier said:
RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighters are now armed
with the most advanced Air to Air missile in the world,
the MBDA developed ramjet powered Meteor. Another huge
leap forward in capability for the Typhoon Force, which
is proud to continue defending the UK and our allies,
24/7.
The missile system is a worthy investment as it 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.
The pilot flying the first Meteor equipped Typhoon said:
The responsibility of flying such a capable platform,
armed with this formidable weapon is immense, but the
options this gives us in responding to an emergency
situation cannot be understated.
Meteor is a state of the art complex weapon developed by a
six nation European partnership led by the UK. It is built
and manufactured by MBDA in Stevenage and has created 430
jobs across the country.
The RAF will continue to develop the missile through life,
in-step with our International Defence and Industrial
partners, supporting the UK Aerospace Industry, while
maintaining the UK’s sovereign ‘capability edge’.
