Greece Raises Concerns: Turkey Allegedly Reverse Engineering METEOR Missile for GÖKHAN System

Greek defense sources have raised new concerns by claiming that Turkey is preparing to leverage its upcoming acquisition of the long-range METEOR air-to-air missile as a model to covertly develop its own indigenous GÖKHAN missile, which could significantly alter the aerial combat landscape in the region. Reports from the Greek newspaper Kathimerini indicate that Turkey’s defense sector plans to engage in reverse engineering of the METEOR missile, examining its structural and operational characteristics to facilitate the creation of the domestically produced GÖKHAN.

Currently in various testing stages, the GÖKHAN missile is referred to as Turkey’s equivalent to the METEOR. It is specifically engineered for compatibility with Turkey’s fifth-generation KAAN stealth fighter jet, enhancing the aircraft’s air superiority capabilities. Greece has claimed that the GÖKHAN’s design closely resembles that of the METEOR missile. However, Turkey’s long-range air-to-air missile is characterized by smaller fins, suggesting it has been optimized for internal weapon bays, a typical feature of fifth-generation fighter jets.

In the coming months, Türkiye is anticipated to conduct live tests of the ramjet-powered GÖKHAN air-to-air missile, representing a crucial step forward in its defense technology development. With a kinetic range surpassing 200 km and a “no escape” zone of 100 km, as reported by the Turkish Defense Research Agency (TÜBİTAK-SAGE), the GÖKHAN has been under development since 2021 as an active radar-guided missile system.

It is designed to give the KAAN fighter a tactical edge, positioning Türkiye among the elite air combat forces globally. The GÖKHAN missile features a ramjet propulsion system that offers a greater effective range than traditional solid-fuel rocket engines, allowing for thrust adjustments during flight—something conventional rocket-powered missiles cannot do. This missile will be integrated into Türkiye’s upgraded F-16 fighters as part of the ÖZGÜR program, which includes the MURAD 100-A AESA radar, and will also be utilized on the next-generation KAAN fighter jet.

Greece has reportedly voiced significant concerns to France regarding its purported endorsement of Türkiye’s acquisition of METEOR long-range air-to-air missiles for use with the Eurofighter Typhoon fighters that Ankara intends to purchase.

Recently, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias summoned French Ambassador to Greece, Laurence Auer, to formally express Greece’s objections to the proposed deal, seeking clarification on the reports about the potential sale of METEOR Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles to Türkiye.

“I have communicated to the French Ambassador Greece’s firm opposition to this potential sale (of METEOR missiles to Turkey), as it contradicts the strong strategic partnership between Greece and France that has been established until now,” Dendias remarked on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). This diplomatic tension between Greece and France arises despite their robust defense collaboration.

Under the bilateral defense agreement signed in September 2021, Greece and France committed to mutual military support in the event of an attack by a third party. The Franco-Greek defense pact has resulted in significant arms acquisitions for Greece, including 24 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation and French-built naval vessels. Greece’s primary concern is that Türkiye’s procurement of METEOR missiles for the Eurofighter Typhoon could jeopardize its current air superiority over Ankara, which has been bolstered by the acquisition of Rafale fighters from France.

The planned acquisition of 40 state-of-the-art Eurofighter Typhoon jets, equipped with METEOR air-to-air missiles, has ignited significant tensions among Britain, France, and Greece. Reports indicate that Türkiye has linked its purchase of the Eurofighter Typhoons to obtaining approval for the METEOR missiles, a request that now seems to have been fulfilled.

Türkiye is poised to acquire the latest version of the Eurofighter Typhoon—Tranche 4.

Featuring the CAPTOR-E AESA radar, the Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 4 is recognized as Europe’s most advanced fighter aircraft, anticipated to remain in service until at least 2060. The METEOR Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) is widely regarded as the premier air-to-air missile globally, outclassing the U.S.-produced AIM-120 AMRAAM.

Developed by MBDA, the radar-guided METEOR missile is reported to achieve speeds of Mach 4 and can engage aerial targets at distances of up to 200 km. As Türkiye advances towards incorporating METEOR-class technology into its domestic GÖKHAN missile, the geopolitical arms race in the Eastern Mediterranean is likely to intensify further.