Madrid : Spanish defense and technology company Indra has unveiled a demonstrator of a newly upgraded datalink for the Meteor missile, aimed at improving the weapon’s range, coverage, and resistance to electronic countermeasures. The announcement was made in Madrid as part of Indra’s ongoing work under the missile’s mid-life enhancement program.
The datalink is a core element of the Meteor system, enabling continuous communication between the missile and its launch aircraft. According to Indra, the upgraded design improves guidance and control during flight, allowing the weapon to maintain effectiveness in increasingly complex electronic warfare environments.
Missile Capabilities and Operational Platforms
Meteor is one of the most advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles currently in service. It is operated by frontline combat aircraft including the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, and Saab Gripen. The missile is also undergoing testing for integration with the F-35 Lightning II.
The weapon is designed for beyond-visual-range engagements, capable of flying at speeds above Mach 4 and covering distances of around 100 kilometers in approximately one and a half minutes. Indra stated that the enhanced datalink directly contributes to extending operational reach and improving effectiveness against agile or well-protected aerial targets.
Mid-Life Activities and Technical Validation
The datalink upgrade forms part of the Meteor Mid-Life Activities program, which is intended to adapt the missile to evolving threat environments and new operational requirements. Indra developed the redesigned datalink and presented it to MBDA, the missile’s prime contractor, as well as to the Meteor program’s International Joint Project Office.
Following technical evaluation, the redesigned datalink successfully passed the Preliminary Design Review. Approval at this stage authorizes Indra to proceed with full development and future integration of the system into the broader missile architecture. Company officials said this milestone reinforces Indra’s position as a key supplier of advanced datalink technologies within multinational missile programs.
Indra’s Contribution to the Meteor Program
Indra has been involved in the Meteor program for approximately 25 years, contributing to both its development and continuous evolution. The company is responsible for the design and manufacture of six subsystems, accounting for about 20 percent of the missile’s total electronic content. To date, more than 2,300 Meteor missiles have been delivered to operators worldwide.
In Spain, the missile equips the Spanish Air Force’s Eurofighter fleet, where it serves as a primary beyond-visual-range air combat weapon.
Company Profile
Indra is a Spanish multinational operating in the defense, air traffic management, and space technology sectors. The company works with armed forces, governments, and civil aviation authorities worldwide. For the 2024 fiscal year, the Indra Group reported revenues of €4.843 billion. It maintains a local presence in 49 countries and conducts business operations in more than 140 countries.
Indra said the development of the upgraded Meteor datalink reflects its broader focus on advanced electronics, secure communications, and systems integration for next-generation defense platforms.
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