Key development for new Royal Navy Type 26 frigates announced as 'full scale tests' coming soon
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State-of-the-art warships will be fitted with the latest technology
Full scale testing of a new missile arming new Royal Navy frigates is scheduled soon.
Type 26 submarine-hunting warships will be equipped with Stratus anti-ship missile. Trials are set to begin in 2028 ahead of planned integration work.
The missiles are also due to be fitted RAF Rafale and Typhoon planes. Responding to a parliamentary written question by shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge, minister for defence readiness and industry Luke Pollard outlined the work that has taken place already.
The Labour MP said: “The Stratus programme continually advances the technology readiness levels and system maturity through a combination of modelling, sub-system testing and trials. To date, the programme has completed testing of the airframe design, engine demonstration, warhead and seeker performance. The first full scale system tests are scheduled from 2028.”
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is currently in negotiations to determine the total cost of using the missile on the Type 26 warships. Mr Pollard said details are being withheld due to commercial sensitivities. The number of missiles being procured is also not being announced for security reasons.
Mr Pollard said the range of the missiles is “significantly greater” than the Storm Shadow and Harpoon weapons being replaced. Stratus is designed to target naval vessels at a significant range.
A total of eight new Type 26 frigates are being built for the Royal Navy by BAE Systems. Considered modern and state-of-the-art, the City-class warships will be equipped with some of the latest technology and weaponry. They’re also expected to be fitted with the new DragonFire laser weapon, which can hit a £1 coin from a mile away.
The first of the new Type 26s is scheduled to enter the Royal Navy fleet in 2028. Sea trials for the first of these ships, HMS Glasgow, is expected to take place at the end of this year or start of 2027.
Stated in the BAE Systems half year results, the company said: “We are progressing the eight ship Type 26 frigate programme for the Royal Navy, with five ships already under construction and a focus on commissioning key systems in preparation for first-in-class sea trials.”