UK MoD’s confirmation of MBDA missile for Type 26 points to more European collaboration
The Stratus LO (right) is designed to effectively counter land and maritime threats. (Image: MBDA)
The Type 26 will also be fitted with the Sea Ceptor vertically launched air defence system that can fire CAMM missiles and a 24-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system that can fire the Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, anti-submarine rockets and long-range anti-ship missiles.
The Stratus LO (Low Observable) subsonic missile developed by MBDA as part of its Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme – now renamed Stratus – will be integrated onto the UK Royal Navy’s (RN) Type 26 frigate, Minister of Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard confirmed this week.
This will meet the RN’s requirement for a future offensive surface weapon (FOSuW) to provide long-range anti-ship strike weapons with land attack capabilities that are compatible with the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS), the defence minister noted in a written response to a question from MP Ben Obese-Jecty.
MBDA’s Stratus programme comprises
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power]()
UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power
Recent developments in France and the UK highlight how autonomous helicopters are becoming central to naval force design as navies seek to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems at sea.
-
![Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?]()
Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?
The UK, the US and Australia have all been working on “extra-large” uncrewed underwater vehicles, but China’s reported development of a significantly larger capability demonstrates the country’s rapid advancement in underwater warfare.
-
![Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?]()
Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?
The effort to provide the US Navy with Trump-class battleships might face financial, production and doctrinal obstacles.
