The British Navy's Type 26 is equipped with Stratus missiles.

According to The War Zone (TWZ), the newest Type 26 destroyer under construction for the British Royal Navy will be equipped with the Stratus stealth cruise missile. This missile system includes two variants, Stratus LO and Stratus RS, and is part of the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapons (FC/ASW) program. The missiles are expected to be launched from the ship's existing Mk 41 vertical launch system.

The TP15 (Stratus LO) variant has a distinctive body shape to reduce radar detectability; the wing and tail arrangement gives the Stratus a resemblance to the Storm Shadow missile. The new cruise missile has a range of approximately 1,000 km and flies at high subsonic speeds. Based on its basic specifications, the Stratus is considered equivalent to the US AGM-158C LRASM.

In September of this year, HMS Somerset, a Type 23 vessel of the Royal Navy, launched its first Naval Strike Missile (NSM) during an exercise. Somerset became the first British warship capable of carrying the NSM. London plans to rearm all Type 23 and Type 45 ships in the future. At that point, a competition between the Stratus and the NSM will ensue; according to sources, the Stratus has an advantage due to its integration of more advanced technologies and being a British-made weapon.

Overview

Stratus is an evolution within the FC/ASW framework aimed at providing the Royal Navy with next-generation long-range and anti-ship strike capabilities. Integration via the Mk 41 allows the Type 26 to directly deploy missiles from standard vertical launch tubes, maintaining flexible combat configurations.

Technical analysis

• Versions: Stratus LO (TP15) and Stratus RS.
• Launch system: Mk 41 vertical launch system on board the ship.
• Stealth characteristics: Optimized fuselage shape and wing/tail arrangement reduce radar signature; similar to Storm Shadow.
• Range: Approximately 1,000 km.
• Speed: High subsonic.
• Capability rating: Considered equivalent to AGM-158C LRASM based on the basic parameters stated in the source.

The above facts suggest that Stratus is geared towards a long-range attack configuration, emphasizing sustained cruise flight and stealth capabilities. Launching from the Mk 41 also reflects a design aligned with existing weapon systems on board, reducing the need for modifications.

Tactics and deployment

According to TWZ, the Stratus is expected to be equipped on the Type 26. With its vertical launch mechanism, the Type 26 can integrate the Stratus as part of its onboard weapons arsenal, in a configuration suitable to the ship's combat configuration. Meanwhile, the NSM has been validated for deployment through test launches from HMS Somerset. The refit plans for the Type 23 and Type 45 ships open up a parallel armament picture, in which Stratus and NSM may be considered depending on mission requirements.

Comparison and position of Stratus

The source indicates that, based on basic parameters, the Stratus is considered equivalent to the AGM-158C LRASM. Furthermore, with the NSM already in service, the Stratus is expected to be a competitor thanks to its new technology and domestically developed British components. A more detailed comparison between the Stratus and NSM is not provided in the source; therefore, a specific assessment of effectiveness will depend on the equipment configuration and actual test results.

Things to watch out for

• Progress of completion and testing of Stratus LO and RS within the framework of FC/ASW.
• The Stratus will be integrated into the Type 26 via the Mk 41 when the ship enters service.
• The standardization of weapons between Stratus and NSM in the Type 23, Type 26, and Type 45 classes of ships is planned by London.