Italy integrates Meteor missiles into Typhoon fighter jets for the first time

The Italian Air Force has integrated long-range Meteor missiles into its EF-2000A Typhoon fighter jets and used them for the first time during a NATO mission.

Here's What We Know

Italian EF-2000A Typhoon fighter jets deployed to Romania for NATO's Enhanced Air Policing mission will carry Meteor missiles for the first time. The integration took place two months after the completion of the second phase of operational testing.

This is an important step for Italy, as Meteor missiles have been in service since 2020, but their integration into fighter jets was only completed in October 2023.

Following the completion of the second phase of Meteor missile integration, aircraft can now launch long-range missiles and correct via Link 16. Italy has joined the club of countries already using these missiles, along with the UK, Germany and Spain. Interestingly, Italian fighter jets are now equipped not only with Meteor missiles, but also with two IRIS-T missiles and a Litening 5 optical guidance station.

The aircraft operate together with Romanian F-16s to ensure the security of Romania's airspace. This deployment was made possible by a significant modernisation programme, which includes three phases of testing scheduled until 2026.

At the same time, Italy completed the second phase a year and a half earlier. Until now, Italian aircraft have been using AIM-120C-5 missiles, but now these missiles will continue to be used depending on the mission parameters.

Source: The Aviationist