Typhoons launch with Meteor

摘要

RAF TYPHOON FGR4s launched from RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland on the morning of December 10 for a first sortie in defence of UK airspace armed with the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) during a quick reaction alert (QRA) mission. An MOD photo showed a Typhoon, equipped with four Meteor missiles on its fuselage weapon stations and short-range ASRAAM missiles, taking off from Lossiemouth. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "This latest missile system demonstrates the next chapter of the Typhoon which will see the jet evolve its ability to target and destroy any airborne threat at great distances. The Meteor missile will provide an unrelenting deterrence to those who wish harm upon the UK and our armed forces." Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier added: "RAF quick reaction alert Typhoon fighters are now armed with the most advanced air-to-air missile in the world, the MBDA-developed ramjet-powered Meteor. Another huge leap forward in capability for the Typhoon Force, which is proud to continue defending the UK and our allies, 24/7." The pilot of the first Meteor-equipped Typhoon said: "The responsibility of flying such a capable platform armed with this formidable weapon is immense, but the options this gives us in responding to an emergency situation cannot be understated."