The French DGA (Direction Generale pour l’Armement – General Direction for Ordnance) has recently ordered 200 METEOR throttleable-ducted ramjet missiles for its Navy and Air Force to provide the Rafales with multi-shot capability against long-range maneuvering targets. Thanks to its active radar with a two-way datalink, and mid-course target updates at more than 100 km over Mach 4, the Meteor will provide air dominance over fighter aircraft; drones; and even cruise missiles.

This is considered as a major stage as this BVRAAM (Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile) will provide air dominance to the RAFALE which is already able to launch SCALP cruise missiles; ASMP-A (medium-range air-to-surface nuclear missiles);  and other weapons. The F3 standard should be equipped with AESA radars by 2012. Yet, the Meteor would not be delivered to Rafale squadrons before 2018.
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