METEOR, THE LONG HAND OF OUR AIR FORCE IN THE AIR COMBAT
Our country, along with the Rafale, purchased the METEOR air-to-air missile. It is a co-production of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Sweden. This particular weapon is the best in its category in Western countries. Its performance in range is 200 kilometers and in effectiveness (no escape zone) three times better than the corresponding American AIM-120 AMRAAM.
Its combination with the Rafale radar maximizes its effectiveness. The network connection (data link) and after its launch, allow for the correction of target data and, if required, the change of targeting. It is the long arm of our Air Force for air superiority in our region, in combination with our modernized F-16 VIPERs.
This, of course, does not please our eastern neighbors at all. The Turks' awareness of who has real air superiority in the Eastern Mediterranean led them to an anxious search to restore their superiority, first through the US for the purchase of 40 new F-16 Bloc 70. Then, exploring the possibilities in Russia and other Western countries, they ended up with the European Eurofighter aircraft that had been certified on the Meteor.
The United Kingdom (BAe Systems), Germany (DASA), Spain (CASA) and Italy (Aeritalia) have volunteered to produce and supply Turkey with the latest version of the Eurofighter. Even if our country wanted to react within the framework of European solidarity, it would not be heard for many reasons. All four specific countries have huge industrial interests in Turkey (construction of German-designed submarines, Spanish plans for Anadolou, etc.).
Things became difficult for Greece when the Meteor's co-manufacturing countries agreed to purchase it from Turkey. Thus, our air superiority advantage in this particular weapon system will be neutralized within about 5 years, if the planned agreement is not overturned.
The truth is that we would especially expect France not to agree. Because of the establishment of a strategic partnership for cooperation in defense and security that we have signed in the corresponding agreement. Because of the contracts for frigates, airplanes and weapons. Greek concerns and our national interests do not seem to move the arms dealers.
Apthos, a.s. Panagiotis Katsaros