The U.K. Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Royal Navy’s upcoming Type 26 City-class frigates will be equipped with the Stratus missile. Two distinct versions of this missile are being developed under the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) program. From the early 2030s, the Stratus missile will significantly enhance the Royal Navy’s long-range land-attack and anti-surface warfare capabilities. For now, however, the frigates will only deploy the low-observable (stealthy) subsonic variant, rather than the faster supersonic version.
Luke Pollard, the defense procurement minister, informed Parliament that the Royal Navy has a requirement known as the Future Offensive Surface Weapon (FoSUW). This system will provide a long-range anti-ship strike weapon with land-attack capability, designed to be compatible with the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System.
Pollard also stated that the Type 26 frigate has been selected as the launch platform for FoSUW, and the missile chosen for this role is the Stratus LO (Low Observable). This is one of the two missiles being developed under the FC/ASW program — originally a joint U.K.–France effort that now also includes Italy. The second missile is the Stratus RS (Rapid Strike), which will be discussed later.
Earlier this year, we got the first indication of the appearance of the Stratus LO intended for the Type 26.
Previously referred to as the TP15, the finalized design of the low-observable cruise missile was revealed in both a rendering and a model displayed at the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London in September.
In its final design, the TP15/Stratus LO features a highly stealthy airframe. The overall shape of the body and its four angular tailfins closely resembles the Storm Shadow cruise missile — one of the systems it is intended to replace. The wings, however, differ noticeably from those on Storm Shadow; they are much wider, and it remains unclear whether they are fixed or deploy outward during flight like the earlier missile.
Reports suggest that the Stratus LO will have a ship-launched range of about 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) and will travel at high subsonic speed.
According to MBDA, the decision to reveal the missile’s final shape was meant to highlight the program’s advanced level of progress. This unveiling came shortly after the FC/ASW program successfully completed its assessment phase.
Recent progress in the development of the Stratus LO includes completion of the concept phase in 2022, prototype missile trials, and successful testing of its seekers, warheads, and fuzing systems. The missile has also undergone extensive assessments of its radio‑frequency (RF) signature, a critical element of its low‑observable design.
The wider FC/ASW program began in 2017 as a dual‑track initiative to develop the next generation of deep‑strike weapons. Alongside the Stratus LO, the program also includes the Stratus RS — a high‑speed precision cruise missile originally known as the RJ10, a designation referencing its ramjet engine and resulting supersonic performance.
The Stratus RS is expected to offer a range of roughly 311 miles (500 kilometers) when launched from ships and reach speeds of around Mach 3.5. While both the Stratus LO and Stratus RS are initially planned for air‑ and ship‑based launch platforms, the manufacturer notes that future ground‑launched variants are also possible.
Although the Stratus LO and Stratus RS share few major components, a level of interoperability was built into their designs from the start, enabling the same platform to deploy both missiles as a complementary weapons system.
For now, however, the U.K. Ministry of Defense has opted to focus on the low-observable capabilities of the Stratus LO. This missile is set to replace the interim Naval Strike Missile currently deployed on 11 Royal Navy vessels, including a mix of Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers, which are using the Norwegian-made system as a stopgap solution for their aging Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
The low‑observable (stealth) design of the Stratus LO is expected to significantly enhance its survivability, even against modern, highly capable air defense systems.
By contrast, the Stratus RS relies on a combination of high speed and a maneuvering flight profile to penetrate those same defenses, giving defenders minimal reaction time. Its velocity makes it particularly well‑suited for destruction of enemy air defenses (DEAD) missions.
Using both missiles together in a coordinated, multi‑axis strike — potentially alongside decoys and additional weapons — would offer the highest probability of overwhelming enemy defenses.
Ultimately, the Royal Navy may still field the high‑speed Stratus RS on its Type 26 frigates in the future. But once the Stratus LO enters service, it will already represent a formidable addition to the frigates’ expanding weapons suite.
The Type 26 is equipped with a single 24‑cell multi‑purpose Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS), which will house the Stratus LO. These cells can also accommodate Tomahawk land‑attack cruise missiles, already in service with Royal Navy attack submarines. Integrating Tomahawk with the Stratus family — especially if the high‑speed Stratus RS is added — would create a powerful combination capable of striking targets at long range and high velocity.
In addition, the Type 26 carries 12 VLS cells for the Sea Ceptor surface‑to‑air missile, the naval version of the active‑radar‑guided CAMM. Similar to the U.S. Navy’s RIM‑162 ESSM, each cell can hold four missiles, giving the frigate a total of 48 Sea Ceptors in a compact arrangement.
The ship’s gun armament includes a five‑inch Mk 45 naval gun, two Phalanx CIWS, two 30mm cannons, and additional machine guns. The Type 26 can also embark either a Wildcat or Merlin helicopter, providing expanded anti‑submarine, surveillance, and strike capabilities.
The Royal Navy is also exploring options for deploying undisclosed long‑range missiles from the flight decks of its Queen Elizabeth‑class aircraft carriers. A containerized or rail‑launched version of the Stratus could be a possible solution.
Beyond arming the eight Type 26 frigates currently on order, the U.K. Ministry of Defense has previously indicated plans to replace the Storm Shadow cruise missile on RAF Typhoon fighters under the FC/ASW program. Whether the Typhoon will be equipped with the Stratus LO, the Stratus RS, or both remains uncertain. However, the Stratus LO appears the more likely choice, given its role as a direct Storm Shadow successor and its confirmed selection for Royal Navy surface vessels.
As things stand, the Stratus family is poised to become one of Western Europe’s most important next‑generation standoff weapon systems. While the Royal Navy may have to wait — potentially indefinitely — for the supersonic Stratus RS, the stealth‑optimized Stratus LO is set to offer a highly capable replacement for legacy subsonic land‑attack and anti‑surface missiles throughout the next decade.
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