The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has fired an air-to-air missile, Meteor, from one of its Gripen fighters for the first time. The missile was launched last Thursday during an operation at Natal Air Base (BANT). Armament increases the capabilities of the FAB, as the Meteor has the ability to take on long-range targets and has redirection technology, allowing for greater accuracy.
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The Meteor is a BVR missile, so it can be used against fighters, remotely piloted aerial vehicles (UAVs) and cruise missiles in an environment with massive interference from electronic countermeasures. Conventional missiles are equipped with missiles that increase the launch speed but do not prevent the drop in force along the trajectory. In addition to the missile, the new weapon contains a “jet” engine, which makes it gain greater speed during flight.
This technology allows you to adjust your course in search of the target and perform maneuvers. Meteor is also able to adjust fuel consumption during the flight, and acceleration in the final segment, when the target is unable to escape (In the escape zone).
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In addition, the missile features a two-way data link that allows fighter aircraft to provide mid-course target updates or redirection if necessary, including data from other aircraft. The missile can be launched without emitting radar signals until it approaches the target, making detection and application of countermeasures by enemy aircraft very difficult.
According to the FAB, the meteorite weighs 190 kg, is 3.7 meters long and 17.8 cm in diameter. Its warhead is explosive fragments.
A Gripen fighter fires a missile for the first time in an operation in Natal
The equipment features a two-way data link, allowing the launching aircraft to provide mid-course heading updates or rerouting if necessary, as well as data from other aircraft. The missile is produced by the European company MBDA, which had representatives during the operation at the Natal air base.
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The shot was fired at a Mirach 100/5 aerial target, an aircraft that simulates fighter flights by maneuvering at high altitudes and speeds. “The integration of advanced weapons into the F-39E Gripen expands and strengthens Brazil’s deterrent power,” according to the FAB.
“In practical terms, this means that the country is strengthening its air defense capacity according to global standards and strengthening its ability to maintain the sovereignty of Brazilian airspace, which is the institutional mission of the Brazilian Air Force,” adds the FAB.
France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and India are among the countries that already use the Meteor missile.
In April, Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Forñas, commander of the 1st Area Defense Group, the unit responsible for implementing the aircraft, said that the Gripen fighters would be able to launch the missiles by the end of 2025.
Today we were intercepting an enemy plane but not using our weapons. This will come with the delivery of the next capacity throughout this year – said Fornias when asked about the topic in April.