Gripen E fighter uses Meteor missile for the first time

Swedish company Saab AB has tested the Gripen E series fighter-bomber with a Meteor missile for the first time.

Here's What We Know

The test took place over the Vidsel test site in northern Sweden. The fighter successfully launched a Meteor air-to-air missile at an altitude of nearly 5 km.

Gripen E is an improved version of the fourth generation of Gripen C fighter. The list of improvements includes new cockpit equipment, new airborne radar and ten suspension points.

Flashback

The Meteor missile was developed by MBDA, weighs 180 kg and is 3.6 m long. It is notable for its resistance to enemy electronic warfare means. The range of launch is 200 km. The Meteor is aimed at destroying air objects beyond the line of sight. In flight, the missile can reach a speed of Mach 4 (almost 5000 km/h).

Source: Saab

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