Historic test in Natal confirms the full integration of the world’s most advanced BVR missile into the Brazilian Air Force’s most modern fighter, boosting the country’s deterrence power and air superiority
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) achieved a historic milestone in November 2025 by conducting the first live-fire launch of the Meteor air-to-air missile from the F-39E Gripen, marking a strategic leap for the country in beyond-visual-range combat (BVR – Beyond Visual Range).
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The launch took place during the Technical Exercise BVR-X (EXTEC), held in Natal (RN), and used Mirach 100/5 aerial targets capable of simulating enemy fighters at high speed and altitude. The highly realistic scenario was designed to rigorously test the Meteor’s performance, regarded as the most advanced BVR missile currently in operation.
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Selected scenario and operational objectives
According to the Commander of Natal Air Base (BANT), Air Brigadier Breno Diogenes Gonçalves, the region was chosen due to its favorable geography and stable weather conditions, ensuring safety and precision during the launches.
The main objective of EXTEC BVR-X was to develop and enhance FAB’s capabilities in the employment of long-range weaponry, integrating the Gripen’s detection, tracking and engagement power with the Meteor’s lethality.
The successful launches confirmed that the F-39 Gripen + Meteor combination sets a new standard for Brazilian Air Defense, significantly expanding the country’s deterrence capability.
Meteor: European technology redefining aerial combat
The Meteor is a BVR air-to-air missile developed by a European consortium and operated by countries such as Sweden, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain and India. FAB is the only South American operator of this system.
Main features of the Meteor:
- Variable-thrust ramjet engine that maintains acceleration until impact, expanding the “no-escape zone.”
- Bidirectional datalink allowing target updates or redirection during flight.
- High resistance to electronic countermeasures.
Operational capability against:
- fighter aircraft,
- high-performance drones,
- cruise missiles.
The Meteor launch by the F-39E Gripen represents FAB’s greatest advancement in the BVR domain since its creation, positioning Brazil among the countries with the highest air-combat capability in the Southern Hemisphere.
With cutting-edge technology, interoperability and modernized doctrine, the Air Force reinforces its mission to protect national airspace with precision, efficiency and technological superiority.
Source and images: FAB. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
