NATO tensions rise as Turkey aims to secure meteor missiles
Turkey is striving for a contract to bolster its armed forces with the acquisition of Meteor missiles. The Greek authorities are actively trying to prevent this by appealing to the countries that produce the weapon. Greek media suggest that, following the purchase, Turkey might reverse-engineer the Meteor missiles and utilise the knowledge gained in its defence industry.
Although Greece and Turkey are both members of NATO, relations between the two countries have been fraught for years. In 2022, the German daily "Die Welt" even described the conflict between Athens and Ankara as a "cold war in the Aegean Sea." In January this year, Greece received the last of 24 French Rafale fighters they ordered, significantly bolstering its air force. Turkey is determined not to fall behind and is actively seeking opportunities to modernise its armaments.
Turkey's interest in Meteor missiles
Currently, Turkish authorities are focusing on upgrading their F-16s and are engaged in tough negotiations with the United States regarding the F-35. Another possibility is to opt for Eurofighter Typhoon jets.
According to information from the Greek portal eKathimerini, Turkey has opted to facilitate negotiations by linking the purchase of Eurofighter Typhoon jets with Meteor missiles. Technically, this is a logical move, as these jets are among the few aircraft capable of carrying such missiles (interestingly, the Rafale aircraft acquired by the Greeks can also do this).
The Greek government is keen to prevent any strengthening of the Turkish air force in this manner. In January, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias announced that he had met with the French Ambassador, Laurence Auer, requesting official information regarding the sale of Meteor missiles to Turkey.
Potential reverse engineering of Meteor missiles
Greek media have taken this further, claiming that Turkey intends to use the acquisition of Meteor missiles not only to directly enhance its air force, but also to dismantle the missile and replicate some features to improve their Gökhan missiles. The development of these missiles began in 2021 but has remained largely secretive.
As reported by TRT World, French President Emmanuel Macron has already dismissed the Greek authorities' request to block the sale of Meteor missiles to Turkey. He pointed out that this weapon is not only produced by France but also by the European MBDA consortium, which includes the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. The Greeks are now expected to direct a similar appeal to the authorities of these countries.
Meteor is a cutting-edge air-to-air missile weighing approximately 190 kilograms. It offers a range of about 200 kilometres and excels in manoeuvrability during the terminal phase of flight, thanks to an additional ramjet engine.
