The United Kingdom and France signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 1, 2026, to conduct a joint 12-month study on a successor to the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, according to the UK Defence Equipment & Support.
The study will analyze future air threats, develop concepts for a next-generation weapon system, identify key technologies, and outline a development roadmap. As part of the agreement, the two countries will establish a joint Complex Weapons Portfolio Office within OCCAR, the European defense procurement agency, to coordinate bilateral missile programs and align national priorities.
This initiative stems from the Lancaster House 2.0 agreement, signed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron on July 10, 2025. That bilateral defense framework includes an Entente Industrielle to reduce duplication in complex weapons development. UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard described the MoU as a significant step in fulfilling those commitments, noting it would strengthen NATO capabilities and European security.
Developed by MBDA for the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and Sweden, the Meteor missile features a throttleable ducted rocket motor that sustains thrust through terminal engagement. It entered service with the Swedish Air Force Gripen in 2016 and has been integrated on the Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale. A midlife update is under study, with integration planned for the F-35.
The effort aligns with other joint projects, such as the STRATUS program for stealthy cruise and high-supersonic strike missiles to replace SCALP/Storm Shadow and Exocet. MBDA CEO Eric Beranger stated in late March 2026 that STRATUS was nearing its development phase.