Sweden Authorizes Ukraine to Use Meteor Missiles Against Aircraft on Russian Territory

The Swedish Minister of Defense confirmed that Ukraine has the right to use Meteor missiles against aircraft operating over Russian territory.

During a conversation with journalists, Pål Jonson was asked whether Ukraine is permitted to use these missiles to strike targets within Russian territory.

In response, the head of the Swedish Defense Ministry stated succinctly: “Of course.”

Ukraine will receive the long-range Meteor missiles for use with Gripen fighter jets.

The Meteor is a long-range air-to-air guided missile. Its stated range exceeds 120 km, and its maximum target engagement range is estimated to reach 200 km. The missile is manufactured by the European defense conglomerate MBDA.

A key advantage of the Meteor is its adjustable ramjet engine, which allows it to effectively engage targets at significantly greater distances, even if they are actively maneuvering.

This will significantly increase the risks for Russian combat aircraft, as fighters and bombers will have to react sooner to air-to-air missile launches and perform evasive maneuvers in advance, which will increase the likelihood of them being hit.