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Ground Test Success: Meteor and F-35A Achieve Critical Integration Milestone
December 03, 2025
Lockheed Martin, MBDA and the F-35 Joint Program Office recently completed a series of critical ground-based integration tests with the Meteor missile and F-35A, bringing the pair closer to operational readiness.
Go Deeper
Conducted at Edwards Air Force Base, California, the ground vibration testing and fit checks validated key hardware responses between the 5th Generation fighter aircraft and missile — a pivotal step before airborne tests begin. Engineers meticulously evaluated the data collected from the trials to confirm that the missile can be safely stowed and deployed from the F-35A’s internal weapons bay, preserving the aircraft’s valuable stealth profile.
Next Steps
One ground test remains before clearance to start flight testing, bringing the Meteor missile and the F-35A one step closer to operational capability. These recent tests follow the Royal Air Force’s announcement earlier this year of successful Meteor flight tests on an F-35B, which the UK is leading the integration campaign for, while Italy is sponsoring integration onto F-35A. The F-35’s sensor suite, coupled with Meteor’s kinematics, will give the UK and Italian operator the operational advantage they expect from their choice of weapon system.
F-35 Programme: Driving Capability & Value for the UK
The F-35 isn’t just strengthening UK security—it’s boosting jobs, skills and prosperity for the UK.
- Every F-35 delivered (1,255+) involves British workers
- UK will support 3,600+ aircraft over the programme’s life
- £11B invested, £22B returned to date, says the National Audit Office
And that’s just the start with decades of production and economic benefits ahead.
Learn how the F-35 strengthens UK defence and economy.