The United Kingdom and France have initiated a collaborative effort to develop a successor to the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. Through a memorandum of understanding under the Lancaster House 2.0 framework, the two nations will conduct a 12-month study to explore advanced missile technologies and define a development roadmap. The next-generation system aims to counter emerging threats and evolving countermeasures posed by adversaries. The Meteor missile, known for its ramjet propulsion and large no-escape zone, set a high benchmark in air combat. However, advancements in rival missile systems have necessitated the development of a more capable successor. The program will also explore the development of a new deep-strike weapon to replace existing cruise missiles, reinforcing strategic cooperation and industrial alignment between the two countries.
