UAE Boosts Aerial Supremacy with 300 METEOR Missiles and STORM SHADOW for Rafale F4

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is poised to enhance its military capabilities significantly as part of a landmark agreement made in 2021 to acquire 80 Rafale F4 fighter jets from France. This deal includes the procurement of 300 long-range METEOR air-to-air missiles, developed by the European defense firm MBDA. The recent announcement regarding the integration of these METEOR Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles with the UAE’s Rafale F4 fleet marks a pivotal development.

If this acquisition is finalized, it will greatly strengthen the aerial combat capabilities of the UAE Air Force, providing it with one of the most formidable air-to-air missile systems currently available.

Interestingly, Egypt, which operates over 50 Rafale fighters, has not been granted access to the METEOR missile, reportedly due to objections from Israel. In addition to the 300 METEOR missiles, reports suggest that the UAE Air Force will also acquire 600 MICA air-to-air missiles for short- to medium-range operations, with a significant number of these missiles to be produced locally within the UAE.

To further enhance its strike capabilities, the Rafale F4 fleet is expected to be outfitted with STORM SHADOW/SCALP EG air-launched cruise missiles, which have a range of 500 kilometers and are intended for targeting high-value assets.

The comprehensive armament package for the UAE’s Rafale F4 fighters will also encompass AM39 EXOCET anti-ship missiles and AASM HAMMER precision-guided bombs, thereby increasing the operational flexibility of the aircraft. Reports estimate the total value of this weapons package to be around €2 billion (approximately RM9.56 billion). The METEOR BVR air-to-air missile is recognized as one of the most advanced air-to-air weapons globally, outclassing the capabilities of the U.S.-developed AIM-120 AMRAAM.

The METEOR missile, engineered for radar-guided accuracy, achieves speeds of Mach 4 and can engage aerial targets at ranges of up to 200 kilometers. It is fully compatible with various fighter aircraft, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab Gripen, Rafale, F-35, and South Korea’s KF-21 “Boramae.”

Measuring 3.65 meters in length, the METEOR is designed for exceptional long-range engagement, high kill probability, and improved survivability in contested airspace.

A significant contributor to its outstanding performance is its advanced propulsion system. Unlike traditional missiles that utilize solid-fuel rocket motors, the METEOR employs a state-of-the-art solid-fuel ramjet engine. This innovative propulsion technology enables the missile to maintain supersonic speeds—exceeding Mach 4—throughout its flight, providing a crucial advantage over conventional missiles that decelerate as they near their targets.

In December 2021, the UAE and France finalized a historic agreement for the purchase of 80 Rafale fighter jets, representing the largest defense contract ever awarded to France’s military aerospace sector and underscoring the longstanding partnership between the UAE Armed Forces and Dassault Aviation. The €19 billion (RM83.4 billion) deal is the most significant defense procurement in the history of France’s military aerospace industry. The UAE has opted for the latest Rafale F4 variant, which boasts cutting-edge avionics, weaponry, and combat capabilities.

In late January, Dassault Aviation officially introduced the first Rafale F4 fighter jet for the UAE, representing a significant achievement in the execution of the contract. The unveiling took place during a prominent event led by Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier, with notable attendees including French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu and UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs Mohamed bin Moubarak Fadhel Mazrouei. Lecornu remarked on social media platform X, “This aircraft will undergo initial testing prior to the commencement of official deliveries in 2027, fulfilling the complete order of 80 Rafales placed by the UAE—highlighting the excellence of our defense industry.”