No modification for UK P-8
The UK will not fit Stormshadow or Sting Ray weapon systems onto its Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) in order to bring the platform into service with the RAF as soon as possible.
In a written parliamentary response issued on 16 December Philip Dunne, Minister of State for Defence Procurement, said the aircraft would be put into service ‘without significant modification to ensure the delivery of operational capability as soon as is practicable’.
He continued: ‘There are no current plans to integrate Stormshadow and Sting Ray onto the aircraft, though it is possible that future capability enhancements once
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy bets on radio frequency to increase vessel protection against aerial threats
A Northrop Grumman RF-based defensive capability will equip USN destroyers and aircraft carriers to enhance their survivability against missile and drone attacks.
-
Naval Group’s Barracuda bid could deepen Franco-Greek naval alignment
As the Hellenic Navy looks to replace its ageing submarines with a next-generation fleet, other likely contenders for the programme include TKMS, Saab, Fincantieri, Navantia and Hanwha Ocean.
-
US Navy budget seeks 34 ships on yesterday’s industrial base
The 2027 budget demands 34 new vessels, but ageing yards and backlogs raise questions about whether American shipbuilding can deliver.
-
Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement
As advances in uncrewed technology increasingly shape Australia’s maritime future, Shephard spoke with the country’s head of navy capability and a Leidos Australia executive about the operational advantages behind the shift.