In cooperation with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), defence and security company Saab has successfully conducted the first test firing of the version of the Meteor radar-controlled air-to-air missile, developed for mass production.

Gripen is thus the first combat fighter system in the world with the capability to fire this version of the Meteor, which has been developed for Gripen, Eurofighter and Rafale.

At the end of June, the first two Meteor missiles in mass production configuration were fired for the first time from Gripen at a remote-controlled target.

The test firing demonstrated separation from the aircraft and the link function between the aircraft and missile, as well as the missile's ability to lock in on the target. The test firing was also used to verify the command support that has been developed for the pilot.

“Testing has been completed as planned and we've now taken yet another important step in work with integration and development of Gripen C/D,” said Michael Östergren, FMV's project manager for the Meteor.

“I'm impressed with the results that we've jointly accomplished and it instills considerable confidence in continued work with integrating the Meteor on Gripen,” he added.

The Meteor is a BVRAAM (Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile) developed to enable engagement of airborne targets at long distances. The missile is the result of a European collaborative project involving Sweden, France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Great Britain.

Great Britainhas responsibility for contracts and work is led by UK’s defence procurement and support organisation - Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S).

“Once again it’s clear that Gripen is the leading combat fighter system with great opportunities for fast and cost-efficient continuous integration of new capabilities, such as weapons and sensors, thanks to our efficient way of working and Gripen’s innovative design. Gripen with the Saab PS05 radar and the Meteor missile represent the absolute best in the world when it comes to air defense,” said Lennart Sindahl, Head of Saab's business area Aeronautics.

The test team included representatives from Saab, FMV and British MBDA. During the autumn, additional tests will be conducted so that delivery of the new capabilities can be made during 2014.