Remarkable remarks from France regarding the sale of Meteor missiles to Turkey: 'We have no involvement'

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Speaking at the National Assembly Defense Committee, French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu stated that France has no role in the sale of Meteor missiles to Turkey. Referring to the ongoing missile sale negotiations between the UK and Turkey, Lecornu announced that they ''do not have control over the UK's arms exports.'' Greece has contacted French officials to block the export of the weapons in question to Turkey.

Lecornu added that he would visit Athens in the coming days to discuss these issues with the Greek Minister of National Defense. Lecornu's statements came after allegations that Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis received a rejection to his request to block the sale of Meteor missiles to Turkey during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on February 11.

Emphasizing that France is not selling Eurofighters to Turkey and is selling Rafale fighter jets to Greece, Lecornu used the following expressions:

'There needs to be a way other than diplomacy and persuasion on this matter. We must ensure that everyone talks to each other.'

WILL TURKEY BUY METEOR MISSILES?

The Meteor missile is produced by the France-based MBDA. The consortium that holds the trade rights to the missile includes France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. The French side conveyed to Greece that it is not possible to block the sale because the Meteor is produced by an international consortium. Turkey continues its negotiations with the consortium to purchase the missiles.

Mitsotakis held a meeting with Macron with the request to prevent the sale of Meteor missiles to Turkey. France gave a negative response to Greece's request. French officials conveyed that Meteor missiles are produced by a consortium consisting of six countries and that stopping the sale is not possible within the framework of international law.

According to reports in the Greek press, this initiative by Mitsotakis was inconclusive. Greece was planning to make an effort to block the sale by also contacting other countries in the consortium. In this context, it was aimed to hold meetings with countries such as the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.

Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias met with the French Ambassador to Athens, Laurence Auer, at the beginning of February and expressed his concerns regarding the sale of Meteor missiles to Turkey. Dendias said that this sale could negatively affect regional balances.

WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF THE METEOR MISSILE?

Meteor missiles are known as a modern weapon system that is air-to-air and can effectively strike long-range targets. Developed by the Europe-based MBDA, the missiles were designed to provide air superiority to fighter jets.

Thanks to active radar homing and 'ramjet' engine technology, it can provide long-term thrust while moving at high speeds. Having a range of over 200 kilometers, the Meteor draws attention with its structure that is resistant to electronic countermeasures.

The missiles can be used in modern fighter jets such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, and F-35. Its ability to track its target with high precision makes the Meteor a strategic weapon in air combat.

Advanced sensor systems offer the opportunity for effective engagement by detecting enemy elements early. Adapting to the new generation air warfare concept in the defense industry, the Meteor plays an important role in critical operations. Greece fears that if Turkey acquires these weapon systems, it will gain air superiority in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean regions.