Tag: Meteor missile

French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' request to block the sale of Meteor missiles to Türkiye. Macron emphasized that the deal, involving a European consortium, extends beyond France's jurisdiction. Greece plans to reach out to other consortium members in an effort to halt the sale, which is part of Türkiye's efforts to strengthen its air defense.

France allows Turkey to proceed with Meteor AAM acquisition, sparking Greek outrage

Despite Greece’s strong objections, France has confirmed it will not impede Turkey’s acquisition of Meteor air-to-air missiles, leaving Athens feeling betrayed. French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu emphasized that the deal is outside France’s control, as the export of British weaponry, including the Meteor missile, ultimately falls under the jurisdiction of the UK. This development raises significant concerns for Greece, which has been modernizing its air force to counterbalance Turkey’s military enhancements amid ongoing regional tensions.

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Turkey’s Pursuit of Meteor Missiles Raises Concerns for Greece

The integration of Meteor-armed Eurofighters into Turkey’s air force could mark a substantial shift in the regional military balance. The Meteor’s superior range and speed provide a decisive advantage in beyond-visual-range engagements, which is particularly crucial in the contested airspace over the Aegean Sea.

This capability could enable Turkish pilots to engage enemy aircraft long before they themselves are within range of most opposing air-to-air missiles, potentially deterring potential incursions and asserting control over critical air corridors