France has clearly stated that it will not obstruct Turkey‘s acquisition of Meteor air-to-air missiles, despite strong objections from Greece, which perceives this as a betrayal by a significant European ally.
During a parliamentary session, French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu directly addressed the matter, stating that Paris does not have the power to prevent the deal. Greece had requested France’s intervention, accusing it of facilitating Turkey’s efforts to equip its future Eurofighter Typhoon jets with these advanced missiles.
Lecornu firmly asserted that this is not a matter for France to engage in. “While Greece has asked France to block the sale of Meteor missiles to Turkey,” he explained, “this issue is beyond the authority of President Emmanuel Macron’s administration.”
He clarified that France does not oversee the export of British military equipment, thereby distancing Paris from the deal. “We are not the ones selling this platform to Turkey,” Lecornu reiterated, reinforcing France’s position that diplomacy, rather than intervention, is the appropriate course for Greece.
The rationale behind France’s non-interventionist stance is rooted in the intricate landscape of international arms production and export regulations. The Meteor missile, an advanced weapon designed for beyond-visual-range engagements, is manufactured by MBDA, a multinational consortium in which France has a stake through Airbus, alongside Britain’s BAE Systems and Italy’s Leonardo.
However, despite France’s involvement, the missile’s development was primarily led by the United Kingdom, with BAE Systems at the forefront. The Meteor was originally commissioned by six countries—Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden—but export decisions ultimately rest with the individual national governments based on their respective contributions.
The sale of Meteor missiles to Turkey is linked to the Eurofighter Typhoon, a fighter jet developed by a consortium primarily led by Britain and Germany. Lecornu emphasizes that while France plays a role in MBDA, it does not control the terms of exports led by the UK.
The responsibility for the Typhoon deal, and consequently the Meteor missiles, lies with London rather than Paris. This delineation of roles exemplifies European defense collaboration, where joint projects do not compromise the export independence of individual nations. France may participate in discussions, but it does not have the final say in this instance.
Turkey’s journey to acquiring the Eurofighter Typhoon has been complex. For several years, Ankara encountered obstacles, mainly from Germany, a significant member of the Eurofighter consortium alongside Britain, Italy, and Spain. The initial opposition was rooted in political issues, as Germany hesitated to approve arms sales to Turkey due to concerns over human rights and Ankara’s military actions in Syria.
Additionally, Turkey’s removal from the U.S.-led F-35 program in 2019, following its acquisition of Russia’s S-400 air defense system, left its air force urgently needing upgrades. The aging F-16s that have long been the backbone of Turkey’s fleet required more than just enhancements.
By 2023, Britain, Italy, and Spain began advocating more vigorously for the sale, recognizing Turkey as a vital NATO ally deserving of support. Germany remained resistant until late 2024, when Chancellor Olaf Scholz indicated a change in stance during a visit to Istanbul, allowing negotiations to progress under British leadership.
Current reports suggest that Turkey is poised to acquire 40 Typhoons in two phases: the first phase will involve 20 used jets from the UK starting in 2026, followed by 20 newly manufactured aircraft, with full operational capability anticipated by 2030.
The introduction of the Eurofighter Typhoon into service will significantly enhance Turkey’s air force, providing a versatile platform for both peacetime and combat operations. During peacetime, these aircraft will be tasked with patrolling Turkey’s extensive airspace, a vital responsibility given the region’s instability, particularly with borders adjacent to Syria, Iraq, and the Black Sea, where Russian military presence is notable.
Armed with sophisticated radar systems and the Meteor missile, the Typhoons will serve as a deterrent against potential threats, demonstrating military strength without the need for engagement. They will also take part in NATO exercises, further solidifying Turkey’s position as a key ally within the alliance. In times of conflict, the Typhoon’s multi-role capabilities become particularly advantageous.
It excels in air superiority missions, leveraging the Meteor’s extended range, while also delivering precision strikes on ground targets. Whether intercepting hostile aircraft or providing support for ground forces in scenarios like the Syrian conflict, the Typhoon equips Turkey with a dynamic and high-performance asset to assert its influence in the region.
Greece’s apprehension regarding Turkey’s acquisition of the Meteor missile is understandable, as it pertains to national security in a long-standing rivalry. The two NATO allies have experienced tensions over maritime boundaries, airspace disputes in the Aegean Sea, and the contentious issue of Cyprus, often leading to military posturing.
In response, Greece has invested significantly in modernizing its air force, acquiring 24 Rafale jets from France, which are also equipped with Meteor missiles to counter Turkey’s advancements. The Meteor’s impressive range—exceeding 100 kilometers and potentially reaching up to 200—enables pilots to engage targets from a safe distance, a strategic advantage in the confined Aegean region.
Should Turkey integrate the Typhoon with the Meteor missile system, it would diminish Greece’s tactical advantage, forcing Athens into a more defensive posture. Greek officials are concerned that this development could encourage Turkey to assert its claims more forcefully, escalating tensions in a region where aerial confrontations and close encounters are already commonplace. For Greece, the issue transcends mere military hardware; it represents a potential shift in the balance of power that could influence future confrontations.
The Meteor represents a significant advancement in missile technology, engineered to surpass all competitors in its class. Created by MBDA, this active radar-guided, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile features a unique throttleable ramjet engine, enabling it to maintain speeds exceeding Mach 4 throughout its flight.
In contrast to conventional rockets that quickly deplete their fuel, the Meteor’s ramjet allows for continuous acceleration, providing exceptional kinetic energy to targets located far beyond the visible range.
Its range is conservatively estimated to exceed 100 kilometers, with the potential to reach double that under ideal conditions, establishing a “no-escape zone” that is significantly larger than that of older missiles, such as the U.S.-manufactured AIM-120 AMRAAM.
Another remarkable aspect of the missile is its two-way data link, which empowers pilots to update target information during flight or redirect the missile based on real-time intelligence from other sources, including AWACS or allied aircraft.
Equipped with an active radar seeker, the Meteor can lock onto fast-moving and agile targets, such as fighter jets or drones, even amidst intense electronic jamming. Its design incorporates both proximity and impact fuses to maximize destruction with its blast-fragmentation warhead.
Measuring 3.65 meters in length, 178 millimeters in diameter, and weighing 190 kilograms, the Meteor is streamlined enough to integrate seamlessly with aircraft like the Typhoon, Rafale, or Gripen. While specific variants remain closely guarded by MBDA, there are indications of potential enhancements, such as improved seekers or extended-range versions, suggesting its ongoing development. For Turkey, the Meteor is more than just a missile; it symbolizes a significant technological achievement.
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