F-35B releases Meteor missile from internal bay for the first time

· Aviation

A Lockheed Martin F-35B has released an MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile test asset from its internal weapons bay for the first time, according to AeroTime. Carrying the Meteor internally is significant because it preserves the stealth profile of the short-takeoff, vertical-landing variant while adding a long-range air-to-air capability. The item does not give the test date, location or the outcome beyond the release. Integrating European-designed Meteor on the F-35 affects the weapons mix available to operator nations and is part of broader work to expand the aircraft's internal carriage options. The test is a step in that integration effort.

Why it matters：Internal carriage of a long-range European missile expands the F-35's air-to-air loadout without sacrificing stealth, a capability that shapes how operator nations plan air combat.

Key points

  • It was the first release of a Meteor test asset from the F-35B's internal bay.
  • MBDA builds the Meteor; Lockheed Martin builds the F-35B.

Sources (original reporting)

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