The United Kingdom and France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to initiate a 12-month joint study on a successor to the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. Announced on April 1, 2026, by the UK Defence Equipment & Support agency, the effort assesses future air combat threats, evaluates potential technologies, and outlines a development roadmap.
Meteor, developed by MBDA through a six-nation partnership including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden, entered service in 2016. It equips RAF Typhoons and French Rafale aircraft with its throttleable ducted rocket motor, sustaining thrust into terminal engagement phases—a key differentiator from rocket-powered rivals.
The study stems from the Lancaster House 2.0 treaty, signed July 10, 2025, by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. This accord revives the “Entente Industrielle,” targeting reduced duplication in complex weapons development. It follows the UK’s post-Brexit pivot toward European defense ties, including post-AUKUS adjustments with France.
A joint Complex Weapons Portfolio Office, embedded in the OCCAR procurement agency, will coordinate this and other programs, such as the Stratus successor to the Scalp/Storm Shadow cruise missile involving Italy. The weapon could integrate with UK-led Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with Italy and Japan, and France’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) with Germany and Spain, despite FCAS industrial challenges.
UK Defence Minister Luke Pollard described the agreement as “a significant step forward… demonstrating the strength of our UK-France defence partnership.” The initiative addresses evolving threats, including advanced countermeasures and systems like China’s PL-17.