A new definition of aerial excellence — the evolution of the Gripen E/F.
The most advanced and prominent weapon of the Saab Gripen E is the MBDA Meteor, a long-range, ramjet-powered air-to-air missile (BVRAAM). Its performance provides the largest No-Escape Zone among all air-to-air missiles, extending up to 60 km. This greatly enhances the self-defense capability of the Gripen E fighter, allowing it to engage targets approaching from over 200 kilometers away.
Key features of advanced weaponry on the Gripen E fighter aircraft.
The Meteor missile.
An air-to-air missile designed to destroy enemy fighter aircraft, equipped with a two-way data link that enables target switching during flight and maintains high energy throughout its trajectory. This increases the chances of intercepting or countering high-speed enemy fighters quickly.
The MBDA Meteor is an active radar-guided missile designed for long-range air engagements. It can engage multiple agile targets such as high-speed fighter jets and small targets like drones or cruise missiles in combat environments with heavy electronic countermeasures (ECM) from the enemy. The Meteor’s range exceeds 200 kilometers (110 nautical miles), allowing pilots to launch missiles against enemy fighters detected beyond visual range at over 200 kilometers.
Powered by a solid-fuel ramjet engine that intakes external air for combustion, the missile sustains very high speeds continuously, making it difficult to evade. Its impact speed exceeds Mach 4, or 4,900 kilometers per hour. The ramjet engine provides continuous thrust and acceleration as the missile approaches the target. The Meteor features a two-way data link allowing the Gripen E pilot to retarget mid-flight and exchange information with other units. The data link transmits missile status and kinematic data, multiple target information, and warnings from the missile’s seeker. The Meteor’s kinematic performance is three to six times higher than comparable air-to-air missiles. It is equipped with both proximity and impact fuses to maximize destructive effect.
The MBDA Meteor is a product of a NATO collaborative program. It was first deployed on the JAS 39 Gripen of the Swedish Air Force in April 2016 and reached Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in July 2016. It is also deployed on the Dassault Rafale of the French Air and Space Force and the Eurofighter Typhoon of the United Kingdom, German, Italian, and Spanish air forces. In the future, the Meteor is planned to be integrated into the F-35 Lightning II of the UK and Italy.
The Royal Thai Air Force is acquiring the long-range MBDA Meteor air-to-air guided missile for use with the soon-to-be-commissioned Gripen E/F fighter jets. With a No-Escape Zone up to 60 km wide, it significantly strengthens Thailand’s air superiority capabilities. (Source: TNN Thailand)
Key details regarding the Meteor procurement.
Procurement goal: To enhance the capabilities of the new Gripen E/F fleet replacing the aging F-16s, with contract signing scheduled for August 2025.
Capability: The Meteor is a ramjet missile capable of speeds exceeding Mach 4, creating a No Escape Zone (NEZ) as large as 60 kilometers—twice that of its competitors.
Cost-effectiveness: Although the unit price is roughly double that of the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, its superior firing performance and higher pilot survivability make it a worthwhile investment.
Quantity: Preliminary information indicates procurement of sufficient numbers for operational use, with no fewer than 10 missiles expected.
This Meteor acquisition marks a significant upgrade for the Royal Thai Air Force, ushering it into a new era of aerial combat with the most advanced technology in ASEAN.
The Meteor’s unit price is approximately 60 million baht per missile, compared to about 30 million baht for the AMRAAM, making the Meteor twice as expensive. (Source: TNN TECH)
The Gripen E fighter’s electronic warfare (EW) system features advanced 360-degree capabilities, including an Electronic Attack Jammer Pod, which detects and locates enemy radars at long range.
The IRIS-T is a highly maneuverable short-range missile used for close combat, especially effective when enemy fighters deviate from the line of sight.
Precision strikes: The Gripen E can carry highly accurate guided weapons such as the TAURUS KEPD 350 cruise missile and Rafael SPICE 250 guided bombs. Combined with the AESA Raven ES-05 radar, the Gripen E has formidable combat potential, maintaining air superiority by detecting enemy air defenses and striking ground targets precisely.