U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Conducts First Test Flights with Meteor Air-to-Air Missile

The United States Marine Corps has successfully completed the first test flights of the UK's Meteor air-to-air missile on the F-35B, marking a major milestone in efforts to enhance the aircraft’s combat capabilities. These initial flights, carried out with an inert missile, were conducted to collect crucial environmental data necessary for the full integration of the Meteor onto the F-35 platform.

The test missions took place at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, reinforcing the collaboration between the U.S. and UK governments. The initiative also involves the UK Ministry of Defence, Defence Equipment & Support, and leading industry partners, including MBDA and Lockheed Martin.

Meteor is the UK’s premier beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, already operational on the Typhoon fighter jet. The ongoing integration onto the F-35B ensures that the stealth fighter will benefit from the missile’s advanced capabilities, significantly enhancing its lethality in air combat.

While the UK is leading the integration process for the F-35B variant, Italy is managing the adaptation of Meteor for the F-35A. This coordinated effort allows multiple allied nations to maximize the benefits of this state-of-the-art weapon system, strengthening joint operational capabilities.

Air Commodore Al Roberts, the RAF’s Head of Air-to-Air Missiles, highlighted the importance of this achievement, calling it a testament to strong international collaboration. “Inclusion of Meteor onto the Lightning II will bring this formidable air combat capability to the UK and to the burgeoning F-35 community, significantly enhancing security among allies,” he stated.

The successful test flights mark a crucial step toward ensuring Meteor’s future deployment on the F-35B. Further trials and evaluations will continue as part of the integration program, bringing the UK’s air combat capabilities to the next level.