Source: UK Defence Journal
The United Kingdom and France have signed an agreement to begin studying a next-generation air-to-air missile to succeed Meteor, one of Europe’s most advanced beyond-visual-range weapons.
The Memorandum of Understanding commits both nations to a 12-month joint study examining future air combat threats and the technologies required to maintain air superiority in the decades ahead, according to the UK government.
UK defence updates
The work will explore new missile concepts and set out a potential development roadmap, forming part of wider efforts under the Lancaster House 2.0 treaty to deepen defence cooperation between the two countries.
“In a new era of threat we are increasing co-operation with our friends and allies,” said Defence Minister Luke Pollard. “This agreement is a significant step forward… demonstrating the strength of our UK-France defence partnership.”
Meteor, which entered service in 2016, is currently operated by six European nations and is in frontline use with the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon and the French Air Force’s Rafale. Developed through multinational collaboration, it is widely regarded as a benchmark for long-range air-to-air missile performance.
The new study is intended to build on that model, with an emphasis on aligning industrial effort and avoiding duplication across European defence programmes.
“We are strengthening NATO’s capabilities and European security by working with France on the next generation of air-to-air missiles,” Pollard added.
The initiative also forms part of a revived “Entente Industrielle” between the UK and France, aimed at improving efficiency in complex weapons development and strengthening NATO’s edge in high-end air combat.
UK defence updates
As part of this effort, a joint Complex Weapons Portfolio Office will be established to coordinate missile programmes and align national priorities, while also opening the door to wider participation from partner nations.
