Greece Outraged by France’s Support for Turkey’s METEOR Missile Deal

Greece has reportedly voiced significant dissatisfaction with France regarding allegations that Paris has authorized Turkey to obtain Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air Meteor missiles. These missiles are intended for the Eurofighter Typhoon jets that Türkiye plans to acquire.

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias has called upon the French Ambassador to Greece, Laurence Auer, to present a formal protest and seek clarification on the reports concerning the potential sale of the BVR Meteor missiles to Turkey.

“I have communicated to the French Ambassador Greece’s firm opposition to this potential sale, which undermines the close strategic ties that Greece and France have upheld until now,” Dendias remarked on the social media platform X.

This diplomatic tension between Greece and France has surfaced despite their robust defence collaboration. Dendias highlighted the provisions of the 2021 Greece-France Defence Agreement, which mandates that “Greece and France shall consult at all levels to achieve a common understanding on any significant decisions impacting shared defence interests and coordinate joint actions when necessary.”

Under the bilateral defence agreement established in September 2021, Greece and France committed to mutual military support should either nation face aggression from a third party. This agreement has enabled Greece to make substantial arms acquisitions, including 24 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation and French-built warships. The Rafale procurement also encompassed the Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles.

Greece is concerned that Türkiye’s acquisition of Meteor missiles for its upcoming Eurofighter Typhoon fleet may undermine its air superiority over Ankara, a position that was strengthened by Greece’s own Rafale purchase. The proposed sale of 40 advanced Eurofighter Typhoon jets, which will be armed with Meteor missiles, has further complicated the diplomatic relations among Britain, France, and Greece.

Reports suggest that Türkiye made the acquisition of Meteor missiles a condition for its purchase of the Eurofighter Typhoons, a condition that now seems to have been fulfilled. Turkey is preparing to receive the latest version of the Eurofighter Typhoon, known as the Tranche 4.

The Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 4, featuring the AESA CAPTOR-E radar, is recognized as one of the most sophisticated fighter jets in Europe, with a service life extending into 2060. The Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) is considered the most advanced air-to-air missile globally, outpacing the American AIM-120 AMRAAM.

Designed for high-speed interception and long-range engagement, the Meteor can achieve speeds of Mach 4 and engage aerial targets at distances of up to 200 km. Developed by the pan-European defense firm MBDA, the Meteor missile is compatible with a range of fighter aircraft, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, Saab JAS 39 Gripen, and has future integration plans with the F-35 Lightning II and KF-21 Boramae.

The exceptional capabilities of the Meteor missile can be credited to its innovative propulsion system. In contrast to traditional air-to-air missiles that utilize rocket propulsion, the Meteor employs a solid-fuel ramjet engine.

This advanced technology allows the missile to sustain supersonic speeds—surpassing Mach 4—throughout its trajectory, offering a significant edge over standard missiles, which tend to slow down as they near their targets.

Technical Specifications of the Meteor BVRAAM

Manufacturer: MBDA (Pan-European defense company)
Role: Long-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM)
Guidance System: Active radar guidance with inertial mid-course navigation and real-time data link updates
Propulsion: Variable-flow ramjet with solid fuel
Speed: Exceeds Mach 4 (~4,900 km/h)
Range: Over 100 km (classified, estimated up to 200 km)
Length: 3.65 meters
Diameter: 178 mm
Weight: Approximately 190 kg
Warhead: High-explosive fragmentation with intelligent impact and proximity fuzes

Compatible Aircraft:

– Eurofighter Typhoon
– Dassault Rafale
– Saab JAS 39 Gripen
– F-35 Lightning II (future integration)
– KF-21 Boramae (future integration)

Key Attributes of the Meteor BVRAAM

The ramjet propulsion system facilitates prolonged high-speed flight during missions.
It features a considerably larger “no-escape zone” than traditional air-to-air missiles.
A network-enabled data link provides real-time updates on targets.
The design prioritizes high survivability and precision strikes in intricate combat scenarios.
Greece expresses significant apprehension regarding Türkiye’s procurement of the Meteor missile, concerned it may upset the regional air power equilibrium.
This developing situation has escalated tensions among NATO allies and may have wider repercussions for regional security dynamics.