The UK has decided against a mid-life upgrade for the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile and will instead pursue a next-generation replacement through its Future Air Superiority Effectors (FASE) program. The initiative will develop advanced air-to-air weapons for future crewed and uncrewed combat aircraft, addressing evolving aerial threats and emerging long-range missile technologies. In parallel, the UK and France are jointly studying concepts for a Meteor successor, while the current missile will continue to receive software and datalink improvements to maintain operational effectiveness until a new system enters service.
