Breaking News: British Navy tests F-35B fighter jet armed with Meteor missile for first time to improve naval air operations.

According to information released by the British Royal Navy on March 6, 2025, British Royal Navy officers have conducted flying tests with a F-35B Lightning fighter jet armed with the nation’s latest air-to-air missile, the Meteor. Pilot Lieutenant Commander Nick Baker and engineer Lieutenant Commander Lewis Roach, both of whom are attached to the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in the United States, have been at the heart of recent trials involving the Meteor missile. Already operational on the Royal Air Force's Typhoon jets, the Meteor missile has now been successfully loaded into the F-35B’s weapons bay for the first time, marking a significant step toward integrating the UK’s primary air-to-air weapon with the F-35.
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British Royal Navy Lt Cdr Nicholas Baker flies the F-35B fighter jet armed with the Meteor missile for the first time. (Picture source: British Royal Navy)

The milestone trials, which were conducted using a US Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet piloted by Lt Cdr Baker, represent a critical advancement in the UK’s efforts to integrate its homegrown weaponry into the F-35, which operates from the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. The trials included the launch of an inert Meteor missile, an important step in verifying the missile’s performance and compatibility with the F-35B platform. These trials signal a major leap forward for the Royal Navy's F-35B program, paving the way for the aircraft to carry and launch one of the most advanced air-to-air missiles in the world.

The F-35B Lightning, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, plays a vital role in the Royal Navy's fleet, particularly when deployed aboard the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. The F-35B’s vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability allows it to operate from these carriers, providing the Royal Navy with a versatile and highly capable multirole fighter. The addition of the Meteor missile to the F-35B’s arsenal will significantly enhance the aircraft’s ability to conduct a wide range of missions, including air superiority, strike operations, and close air support, all while maintaining the aircraft’s stealth profile. The integration of Meteor strengthens the F-35B's role as a formidable combat platform for the UK’s naval air operations, particularly in high-threat environments.

The Meteor missile is a key component of the UK’s air-to-air capabilities. Developed by MBDA, the radar-guided Meteor missile has been designed to offer superior performance in long-range, beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements. The missile is capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 4, or approximately 4,900 km/h (3,045 mph), and can engage targets up to 120 miles (about 193 kilometers) away from the launching aircraft, making it one of the longest-range air-to-air missiles available. The Meteor's performance is further enhanced by its advanced ramjet engine, which allows it to maintain high speed and maneuverability at extended ranges and altitudes, giving it a decisive edge over adversary aircraft in combat.

Meteor’s advanced radar seeker and data link capabilities are key features that differentiate it from older-generation missiles. The missile is capable of tracking highly maneuverable targets, even in complex electronic warfare environments, making it an invaluable asset in modern air combat scenarios. The missile's range and speed, combined with its ability to continuously update its trajectory in flight, ensure that it can successfully engage even the most evasive adversary aircraft. As a result, the Meteor missile significantly enhances the F-35B’s effectiveness in air superiority and combat scenarios, enabling the aircraft to engage threats well beyond visual range, while minimizing exposure to enemy forces.

The integration of the Meteor missile onto the F-35B is part of a broader initiative to enhance the Royal Navy’s combat capabilities. As the UK prepares for global deployments of its F-35 squadrons, which include 617 Squadron and 809 Naval Air Squadron, the integration of the Meteor is set to enhance the operational capabilities of the Royal Navy’s carrier-based air units. The upcoming deployment of F-35B aircraft aboard HMS Prince of Wales in the spring of 2025 will allow the Royal Navy to showcase its enhanced air power, with the Meteor missile playing a central role in expanding the range and lethality of the aircraft’s air-to-air and strike capabilities.

While the UK is leading the integration of the Meteor missile onto the F-35B, the missile is also being integrated onto the F-35A by Italy. This collaboration between NATO allies further emphasizes the importance of the Meteor missile in ensuring the success of joint air operations. The UK’s efforts to integrate Meteor into the F-35B fleet highlight the country’s commitment to maintaining a technologically advanced and capable naval force, capable of projecting power in contested regions across the globe.

The successful integration of the Meteor missile into the F-35B Lightning is a major milestone for the Royal Navy, significantly enhancing the UK’s ability to maintain air superiority and respond to emerging threats. As the F-35B continues to play a critical role in the Royal Navy’s operations from the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, the Meteor missile will provide the aircraft with an even greater edge in both air-to-air and strike operations. With its extended range, speed, and advanced targeting capabilities, the Meteor missile will be an essential component of the Royal Navy’s air combat strategy for years to come.