Turkey Eyes Meteor Missiles to Strengthen Eurofighter Typhoons

Turkey is on the verge of significantly bolstering its air force capabilities with the potential acquisition of advanced Meteor air-to-air missiles for its future Eurofighter Typhoon jets.

The deal, which has been under international scrutiny, is largely dependent on Germany’s recent decision to ease arms export restrictions to Turkey. This development has sparked diplomatic tensions, particularly with Greece, which strongly opposes the move due to long-standing regional rivalries and security concerns.

Germany’s Role in Turkey’s Meteor Missile Deal and Greece’s Opposition

Among the countries involved in the development and production of the Meteor missile, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy have maintained strong defense ties with Turkey and see no major obstacles to the sale.

However, Germany’s previous stance on restricting arms exports to Ankara posed a significant hurdle. Recent reports indicate that Berlin has now softened its position, effectively opening the door for Turkey to procure these cutting-edge missiles.

With Germany’s approval, the remaining key decision-makers—particularly France—have come under pressure to finalize the deal. While initial indications suggested France would oppose the sale, recent diplomatic maneuvers suggest that British influence has played a crucial role in changing Paris’ stance.

The potential sale of Meteor missiles to Turkey has triggered a strong reaction from Greece, which considers such an arms transfer a direct threat to its national security.

On January 29, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias met with French Ambassador to Athens, Laurence Auer, seeking official clarification on France’s position regarding the deal.

Dendias underscored that allowing Turkey to acquire these missiles would contradict the long-standing strategic relationship between Greece and France. He pointed to the 2021 defense agreement between Athens and Paris, which includes provisions for regular consultations on security matters of mutual interest.

Greek authorities had already signaled their opposition to the sale earlier in the month, lobbying their European partners—especially France and the UK—to block the deal. Initially, France appeared steadfast in rejecting the sale, but recent reports suggest that London’s diplomatic efforts have influenced a shift in Paris’ stance.

Strategic and Geopolitical Implications of the Meteor Missile

The MBDA Meteor is one of the most advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM) currently in service, designed to outperform legacy systems like the AIM-120 AMRAAM.

It provides a decisive edge in modern aerial combat by enabling fighter jets to engage enemy aircraft at extreme distances while maintaining high energy throughout their flight.

Unlike traditional solid-fuel missiles that quickly burn out, the Meteor’s ramjet propulsion system sustains high energy levels throughout its flight, extending its effective range and increasing the no-escape zone for enemy aircraft.

The missile employs an active radar seeker capable of engaging maneuvering targets even in heavily contested electronic warfare environments. Mid-course updates via a two-way datalink ensure real-time adaptability to target maneuvers and countermeasures.

Greece’s air force currently relies on the Meteor missile to maintain deterrence against Turkey, particularly through its fleet of Dassault Rafale fighter jets. If Ankara were to acquire the same missile for its Eurofighter Typhoons or other platforms, it would effectively neutralize Greece’s current aerial advantage.

Beyond tactical concerns, Athens fears that supplying Turkey with these missiles could embolden Ankara’s stance in regional disputes, increasing the likelihood of aerial skirmishes or escalatory incidents in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.

Another critical issue is the potential integration of Meteor missiles into Turkey’s indigenous fighter jet programs, such as the KAAN stealth fighter. Additionally, concerns have been raised over the possibility of Turkey sharing sensitive missile technology with non-NATO partners, potentially altering alliance dynamics.

The Future of Air Superiority in the Eastern Mediterranean

The unfolding controversy over Turkey’s potential acquisition of Meteor missiles underscores the complex geopolitical landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean. While Turkey seeks to modernize its air force and enhance its aerial combat capabilities, Greece perceives the move as a direct threat to its security and regional stability.

As European powers—particularly the UK, France, and Germany—deliberate on the sale, their decision will have far-reaching implications for NATO’s internal cohesion, the balance of power in the region, and future diplomatic relations among key players.

Whether Greece succeeds in blocking the deal or Turkey secures the advanced missiles, this development will shape air combat superiority in the Eastern Mediterranean for years to come.