Saab announced that in November, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) achieved a critical milestone by successfully launching METEOR BVRAAM missiles from the F-39E Gripen. The launch, which successfully targeted and hit two MBDA METEOR missiles, has bolstered the deterrent power of the Brazilian air defense.
The launches took place during the BVR-X technical exercise at the airbase in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. With the participation of the First Air Defense Group (1º GDA), the exercise brought together four Gripen E fighters in large-scale operations. It allowed FAB technicians and pilots for the first time to handle and employ the METEOR in combat conditions.
With the combination of Gripen and METEOR, Brazil is among a few countries in the world with access to this level of air combat innovation.
The METEOR is a joint effort product of six European countries, led by MBDA, aiming to create the most sophisticated air-to-air weapon system currently in operation.
Features of the METEOR
The METEOR’s ramjet engine provides thrust until intercepting the threat, creating the largest No Escape Zone for any medium-range air-to-air missile currently available.
Its end-of-course kinematics and fragmentation explosive warhead ensure maximum effectiveness in the engagement procedure. The METEOR can engage a wide variety of targets, day or night, in any weather condition, and even in intense electronic warfare environments.
The BVR-X Technical Exercise
The BVR-X technical exercise has seen close collaboration between the FAB, Saab, Embraer that produces the Gripen E/F fighter bomber and MBDA responsible for the METEOR missile.
During the exercise, two manoeuvrable Mirach 100/5 drones were used as targets, specifically programmed for this trial. The two Mirach 100/5s perfectly met the requirements, replicating the speed and altitude profile of modern fighter aircraft. This created a challenging environment to demonstrate the missile’s precision, adding realism to the evaluation.
The F-39E Gripen of the FAB
Currently, the FAB has received eleven F-39E Gripen fighter bombers from Saab and Embraer.
The Gripens for the FAB are produced by Saab in Sweden with the participation of Embraer, which produces the aircraft’s components and structures. Embraer is expected to roll out complete aircraft from its production line with components supplied by Saab.
Initially, Brazil had ordered a total of 36 F-39E/F Gripens. Later, it increased the order to 45 aircraft in compensation for the Swedish selection of the C-390 Millennium.
Source: Saab
Photo credit: @Brazilian Air Force
