UK P-8 Poseidons to get Sting Ray Mod 1 torpedoes
The UK received approval from the US government for the purchase of nine Boeing P-8 Poseidon MPAs in 2019. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
The UK MoD has confirmed the selection of the BAE Systems Sting Ray Mod 1 torpedo as the future torpedo capability for its P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) fleet, alongside the US Navy’s Mk54 weapon.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has selected BAE Systems’ Sting Ray Mod 1 torpedo for its P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) fleet. The Sting Ray torpedo, which is currently being integrated into the Poseidon as its future torpedo capability, will be used alongside the US Navy Mk54 weapon as noted by the MoD in a 1 December statement.
Group captain Richard Osselton, senior responsible officer of Poseidon Futures Programme at the MoD, said: ‘The use of Sting Ray and Mk54 torpedoes gives the UK Poseidon fleet flexibility and interoperability with our allies. I’m delighted to see integration of Sting Ray Mod 1 has commenced at RAF Lossiemouth.’
The Sting Ray Mod 1 is an air- and surface-launched, lightweight ASW torpedo. It can be deployed from frigates, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft against submarine targets of all types. Utilising an acoustic homing system and navigation system, the torpedo can detect, classify and attack targets autonomously.
Related Articles
Insight: How the P-8 Poseidon has conquered the maritime patrol aircraft market
Germany’s expansion of P-8 Poseidon fleet casts further doubt on Franco-German MAWS
Canada orders 14 Poseidon P-8A maritime patrol aircraft
The Sting Ray Mod 1 was developed from the Mod 0 torpedo, providing a new sonar system, an insensitive munition warhead, new tactical and navigation system and a new sea water battery system. Produced by BAE Systems, the torpedo saw service with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. It has also been selected by the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Conceived as a replacement for the P-3 Orion, development of the P-8 began in 2004, with its maiden flight in April 2009. The aircraft shares 86% commonality with the 737NG, the civilian variant the P-8 was based upon.
In 2016, the UK received approval from the US government for the purchase of nine Boeing P-8 Poseidon MPAs to fill the gap in its capabilities left by the retirement of the Nimrod MR2 and the cancellation of the follow-on Nimrod MRA4 in 2010.
Boeing announced the signing of a US$3.9 billion contract for the nine P-8s, with deliveries beginning in 2019. The first delivery date for the P-8 was in November 2019, with the ninth and final aircraft being delivered in January 2022.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push]()
India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push
As a major shortfall in Indian fighter jet capability looms, New Delhi is looking to spread risk and accelerate delivery of its fifth-generation combat aircraft.
-
![USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding]()
USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding
US Air Force leaders say open architecture and broader industry participation will help deliver affordable autonomous wingmen capable of overwhelming future adversaries.
-
![Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms]()
Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms
The manufacturer is betting heavily on the demand for uncrewed systems, revealing the uncrewed H145M – known as the U145 – and the U760 Ravenstorm at ILA Berlin 2026 as the two latest additions to its expanding UAV offering.
-
![FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?]()
FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?
While the New Generation Fighter pillar of the Franco-German-Spanish programme is now officially dead in the water, Germany’s ambition to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet remains – with the country serving as a financially attractive potential partner for other programmes.
-
![Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)]()
Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)
The French-made aircraft is lining up potentially huge orders in Asia, with the latest F5 platform designed to keep the jet relevant in the modern battlespace until the 2040s.
-
![France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market]()
France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market
France is estimated to be Europe’s second-highest spender on UAVs, with a market focused on domestic production, loitering munitions and lower-cost sovereign systems. Its spending profile highlights substantial future market opportunities while reflecting broader industry trends.
