F-35B Jettisons Inert Meteor Missile in First Test
The milestone marks the first time an F-35B has released a Meteor air-to-air missile from its internal weapons bay.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Military
An F-35B jettisoned an inert MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile from its internal weapons bay for the first time during a test on October 7 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. The F-35 Joint Program Office and MBDA announced the milestone on November 5, 2026.
Why it matters
Successful separation of the missile from the internal bay is a step toward integrating the Meteor onto the F-35B for operational use. The test confirms the weapon can be released safely in a complex aerodynamic environment.
The test used an inert Meteor with fuel and warhead replaced by instrumentation and ballast to match the live variant's weight. The rocket motor did not ignite after separation, and live-fire testing has not yet been reported.
The players
MBDA
MBDA is a European missile manufacturer that produces the Meteor air-to-air missile.
F-35 Joint Program Office
The F-35 Joint Program Office manages the development and sustainment of the F-35 fighter program for the United States and its partners.
Naval Air Station Patuxent River
Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland is a Navy installation that hosts major aircraft test and evaluation programs.
The details
The inert missile was released during level flight from the F-35B's internal weapons bay, using a sortie flown by a Royal Navy test pilot attached to the Air and Space Warfare Centre. The trial was conducted by a joint U.S. and UK team with the F-35 Integrated Test Force, and the aircraft is attached to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23).
Timeline
February 2025: VX-23 F-35Bs flew captive carry trials with Meteor at Pax River.
October 7, 2026: The inert Meteor jettison trial was conducted at NAS Patuxent River.
November 5, 2026: The F-35 Joint Program Office and MBDA announced the milestone.
Over the coming months: A series of release profiles is planned before live firings.
Big Picture
The test is a developmental step in the F-35 Integrated Test Force's campaign to integrate the Meteor across the F-35 fleet. It follows Italy's 2025 declaration that the Meteor is operational on its F-2000A Typhoons, showing the missile's wider use among European partners.
The result suggests the Meteor could eventually be carried internally by F-35B aircraft, which keeps it out of external view and affects how allied forces plan air combat. The live-fire tests still ahead will determine when that capability is ready for operational use.
The takeaway
Clean separation of the inert missile from the internal bay is a necessary early milestone for the weapon's F-35B integration. Readers should watch for the live-fire results that will confirm full operational readiness.
What happens next
A series of release profiles is planned before live firings, with the timing of those tests not yet specified.
Further reading
Explore more military news for context on the F-35 and other weapons programs.
