MBDA Future Cruise / Anti-Ship Weapon (FC / ASW)

[Grey Havoc]

That's quite a significant shape change from the TP15 models we've been used to seeing....the TP15 mock ups looked to be far stealthier. This looks far closer to Storm Shadow in its origin.

Some ill-advised corner cutting at work?

 

[Reuben James]

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/mbda-rebrands-fc-asw-programme-as-stratus/
Time to update the name of the thread?

 

[BonPlan2]

Smaller than I was expecting, especially since the other mock-ups had a longer, more flattened missile. I wonder about range - is there concrete information on the range expected from the TP15? The Storm Shadow offers 500km of reach, which, whilst decent in an air-launched role, isn't great for a ship-launched land attack missile. I'm interested to see how they've improved the range for this system.

Was this mock up at the 1:1 scale ???

 

[Reuben James]

Was this mock up at the 1:1 scale ???

I don't think that was disclosed. I'm basing my assessment off the comparison next to the RJ-10 (now STRATUS RS) missile shown alongside. In previous models, the TP-15 (now STRATUS LO) was shown to be longer than the RJ-10, and wider.



In the interviews, the MBDA representatives emphasised the propulsion for the TP-15 and RJ-10 as both being particularly innovative and capable, so perhaps they're achieving range through that.

 

[Titus K]

The relative compactness of the Stratus LO (TP-15) may prove very handy for fitting in the bays of GCAP/SCAF or even CCA's

 

[WatcherZero]

I think you can broadly get maximum dimensions from assuming the missile's will fit into a strike length VLS cell.

 

[Reuben James]

A side profile showing funky fin design. I imagine that the fins were somewhat optimised against low-frequency arrays given that they're dropped into the fuselage somewhat, rather than being prominent as they are on the Storm Shadow.

When MBDA talk about survivability, perhaps they're aiming to avoid alerting air defences altogether, as opposed to the stealth seen on fighter aircraft, which remains vulnerable to long-range low-frequency arrays. Prevent a long-range radar from giving adequate warning through a low-frequency stealth design, and you neutralise interceptor aircraft that rely on early warning to provide air defence.

 

[Titus K]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muiOTAPzEj8

 

[WatcherZero]

Active evasion on the RS missile? We have had erratic flight paths to evade interception but I don't think any missile before has actively dodged interceptors?

 

[Reuben James]

Active evasion on the RS missile? We have had erratic flight paths to evade interception but I don't think any missile before has actively dodged interceptors?

That caught my eye too. If that is the case, it'd be a very impressive capability, especially in a SEAD/DEAD missile.

However, I'm more inclined to assume that the 'dodging' is meant to represent particularly aggressive terminal manoeuvres, rather than active interceptor avoidance. Does seem odd that they've depicted it in that way - anyone watching the video without some information about current missile capabilities would immediately assume that the RJ-10 is dodging the SAMs.

Also, can anyone see an air intake? Very confused about how the propulsion is supposed to function.

 

[TomS]

Active evasion on the RS missile? We have had erratic flight paths to evade interception but I don't think any missile before has actively dodged interceptors?

DARPA's public description of LRASM included the ability to evade hostile active defenses, so this not unprecedented.

 

[WatcherZero]

Also, can anyone see an air intake? Very confused about how the propulsion is supposed to function.

On the RS theres a big scoop on the bottom, on the LO I've looked at every angle and there is no intake but in some CGI videos it appears to have a postcard sized square hole in the centre of the underside which might be a recessed aperture. So either they are hiding its intake arrangement or its relying on capturing turbulent air flowing over the body rather than putting a scoop out into the clean airflow. They have previously referred to the turbojet it features as a new form of propulsion designed by RR and Safran.

 

[timmymagic]

They have previously referred to the turbojet it features as a new form of propulsion designed by RR and Safran.

The assumption has been that they're referring to a new small turbofan, which will give a range increase.

 

[NMaude]

So either they are hiding its intake arrangement or its relying on capturing turbulent air flowing over the body rather than putting a scoop out into the clean airflow. They have previously referred to the turbojet it features as a new form of propulsion designed by RR and Safran.

So basically it has a NACA type air-inlet?

 

[WatcherZero]

So basically it has a NACA type air-inlet?

Its what I am thinking, though its a black square panel in the CGI rather than typical NACA curve and NACA inlets haven't been used on aircraft for a long time due to providing marginal oxygen supply hence fuel efficency. However if they have designed an efficient engine that gets good range despite the poor oxygen supply it would be very beneficial for stealth. Possibly they are rapidly cooling the air to increase its density or its got a mixed flow or other exotic compressor.

 

[Scott Kenny]

Its what I am thinking, though its a black square panel in the CGI rather than typical NACA curve and NACA inlets haven't been used on aircraft for a long time due to providing marginal oxygen supply hence fuel efficency. However if they have designed an efficient engine that gets good range despite the poor oxygen supply it would be very beneficial for stealth. Possibly they are rapidly cooling the air to increase its density or its got a mixed flow or other exotic compressor.

Doesn't Harpoon use a NACA-type inlet?

 

[red admiral]

NACA inlets haven't been used on aircraft for a long time due to providing marginal oxygen supply hence fuel efficency.

"NACA type" intakes are on quite a few modern aircraft and weapons

They are efficient enough, but only over a relatively narrow range of flight conditions (Mach, mass flow ratio). For a missile that flies at a single speed and throttle setting they are well suited.

 

[NMaude]

Doesn't Harpoon use a NACA-type inlet?

Yes.

 

[DWG]

Active evasion on the RS missile? We have had erratic flight paths to evade interception but I don't think any missile before has actively dodged interceptors?

The fact it's shown using the datalink immediately before the evasion may be significant.

 

[Titus K]

https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/defe...vire-franco-italo-britanniques-nommes-stratus
Stratus LO (TP15)

• Will replace Scalp/Storm Shadow in the RAF, AAE and MN
• To enter service at the very beginning of the 2030s
• Not intialy intended to replace the MdCN in the French Navy
• The British wanted the STRATUS LO to have a long-range anti-ship capability, similar to the Russian Kalibr
  --> It is not known whether this option is still under consideration.

Stratus RS (RJ10)

• Ship-to-ship version launched from ramps, to enter service around 2035
  • Complement to the Exocet MM40 Blk3C (which will remain in service for another 30 years)
  • The Royal Navy could also adopt this approach → NSM + Stratus RS
  • The Marina Militare as well, since its Teseo Mk2 has just entered service
• Air-to-ship version to enter service a bit earlier, around the beginning of the 2030s
  • Will replace the AM39 still in service in the MN
• It is not planned to develop a Submarine Tube-Lauched version
  • The missile is too bulky to be encapsulated
  • The Exocet SM40 will fulfill this role starting in 2030

 

[Titus K]

https://www.mbda-systems.com/mbda-unveils-stratus-future-cruise-and-anti-ship-capabilities

MBDA unveils STRATUS for future cruise and anti-ship capabilities​

• STRATUS the new name for the Future Cruise / Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW)
• New missile design as the programme moves on towards Development Phase
• Programme maturity the result of strong European cooperation to deliver decisive capabilities for protecting sovereignty

On 10 September on the MBDA booth at DSEI UK 2025, UK Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry, Luke Pollard MP and Armament General Engineer Gaël Diaz De Tuesta of France's DGA (Direction Générale de l'Armement) unveiledSTRATUS as the new name for FC/ASW.

The unveiling took place at a model of the brand new design for STRATUS LO (Low Observable) – formerly known as TP15 – and a model for STRATUS RS (Rapid Strike) – formerly known as RJ10 – highlighting the significant progress of the programme.

Through one programme, MBDA is developing two complementary, adaptable and interoperable missiles that will deliver decisive capabilities for deep strike, anti-ship, suppression & destruction of enemy air defences and defeat of high value assets.

The missiles are for use across the air, sea and land domains, from multiple platforms, and are able to operate in denied areas. Together, they combine the survivability benefits of high speed/manoeuvrability and low observability needed for optimal flexibility and performance in tomorrow's contested battlespace and high intensity conflicts.

Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, said: "These new advances on STRATUS are the result of France, UK and Italy's strong commitment to develop Europe's present and future critical capabilities. Maturing such a large portfolio of technologies in such a short amount of time has required a massive effort between the nations, and has again demonstrated the value of the MBDA cooperation model. MBDA will continue to deliver on the next phase, bringing together France, the UK and Italy to meet the armed forces needs and protect European citizens for the years to come”.

MBDA continue at pace for the next phase of the programme. The successful conclusion of the programme's Assessment Phase endorsed the maturity of the advanced technologies and systems required to launch the full Development Phase.

STRATUS is leveraging the full strength of MBDA co-operative DNA with more than 750 engineers working on the programme across the Group.

 

[BonPlan2]

Ship-to-ship version launched from ramps, to enter service around 2035

• Complement to the Exocet MM40 Blk3C (which will remain in service for another 30 years)
• The Royal Navy could also adopt this approach → NSM + Stratus RS
• The Marina Militare as well, since its Teseo Mk2 has just entered service

Interesting.
A combo of subsonic and supersonic anti ship missiles is tactically interesting.

 

[Titus K]

A combo of subsonic and supersonic anti ship missiles is tactically interesting.

Although i'm still hoping that SSM version of Stratus RS has more range than the 250/300km of exocet MM40 blk3C

 

[aonestudio]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1966466941356216350

View: https://x.com/NavyLookout/status/1966466941356216350

 

[Reuben James]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1966466941356216350

View: https://x.com/NavyLookout/status/1966466941356216350

Well, 2028 was always a long shot, given the programme started slowly and now appears to have picked up momentum. I assume that integration with the Mk41 will be the final part of the process, and I'm slightly anxious about how long that will take, especially acknowledging the lethargic pace of integration for other British missiles into the F-35B.

Obviously they're different systems, and the F-35B comes with its own specific set of design challenges and constraints that delay integration, but I'm still not trustworthy. That said, CAMM integration into the ExLS was fairly quick, so who knows?

 

[timmymagic]

That said, CAMM integration into the ExLS was fairly quick, so who knows?

Given that its the only game in town for ExLS its not surprising...otherwise it was a dead product. Remember its 15 years old and there are none operational anywhere.

 

[zjz]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muiOTAPzEj8

The RS fly upside down, and back ??

 

[Forest Green]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0uvukBfZRI

 

[BonPlan2]

Although i'm still hoping that SSM version of Stratus RS has more range than the 250/300km of exocet MM40 blk3C

Take the ASMP A missile : 840 kg, a range (with high altitude part of the course) of an estimated 500km, an a nuc warhead weighting in the 100 kg....
A new technology Stratus RS with a bigger load (150kg ?) may have a range reduced, but the 300km+ is possible.

 

[Phoenix_jz]

Forgot to share this here when it first came out, but since the thread is abuzz;

RID had some reporting on the exact nature of the Italian share of FC/ASW (now Stratus) from Bourget 2025, in issue 08/25.

MBDA Italia's workshare in the FC/ASW program is just over 20%. They will be responsible with supplying the RF seeker for the RJ-10 (now Stratus RS), with Leonardo as a strategic supplier.

MBDA Italia will also responsible for some of the components and subassemblies of TP-15 (now Stratus LO), though which are not specified.

The seeker in reference is one MBDA has been working on with Leonardo in the context of the Teseo Mk.2/EVO program - MBDA Italia is the prime contractor and design authority for the seeker, while Leonardo is supplying the Ku-band AESA array.

 

[Forest Green]

MBDA unveils STRATUS for future cruise and anti-ship capabilities​

https://www.navalnews.com/event-new...for-future-cruise-and-anti-ship-capabilities/
Mk41 VLS compatibility mentioned at 3:20ish.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp--BZQrY3I

 

[Titus K]

Apparently both missiles will be Mk41 and Sylver sized :

"we are going to integrate the 2 weapons on vertical launchers, Mk41, the french launchers"

The strange part is when he specifically states that Mk41 integration is a challenge ... wouldn't sylver integration be even more of a challenge since it's smaller ?

 

[Forest Green]

Apparently both missiles will be Mk41 and Sylver sized :


The strange part is when he specifically states that Mk41 integration is a challenge ... wouldn't sylver integration be even more of a challenge since it's smaller ?

SYLVER A70 is same width as Mk41 and 7m in length vs 6.55m.

 

[zen]

Apparently both missiles will be Mk41 and Sylver sized :


The strange part is when he specifically states that Mk41 integration is a challenge ... wouldn't sylver integration be even more of a challenge since it's smaller ?

Connectors and voltage issues perhaps?

 

[Scott Kenny]

Connectors and voltage issues perhaps?

Definitely voltages and frequencies. USA uses 120VAC/60hz while Europe uses 220VAC/50hz.

Edit: voltages are easy to change, frequency changes require motor-generator pairs.

 

[Forest Green]

Take the ASMP A missile : 840 kg, a range (with high altitude part of the course) of an estimated 500km, an a nuc warhead weighting in the 100 kg....
A new technology Stratus RS with a bigger load (150kg ?) may have a range reduced, but the 300km+ is possible.

What altitude is that 500km at though? ASMP-A can go high at Mach 3+ or low at Mach 2+, range is merely stated at 500-600km without specifying flight profile. As for the TN-81, I've seen that quoted at 140kg and 200kg in different sources. Also, it's liquid propellant ramjet not solid fuel VFDR - not sure which would give the better range. I've also heard that because it's part of the nuclear deterrent, ASMP-A has a lot of crap on it that a normal conventional weapon wouldn't.

Connectors and voltage issues perhaps?

Could also be shape. The new missile looks very square whereas the old one was 0.48x0.63m with slightly sloped sides. Geometerically I think the need to make it fit a VLS has made it less stealthy.

 

[Phoenix_jz]

SYLVER A70 is same width as Mk41 and 7m in length vs 6.55m.

Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Sylver's interior diameter is 56 x 56 cm, to a Mk.41's 63.8 x 63.8 cm.

 

[Forest Green]

Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Sylver's interior diameter is 56 x 56 cm, to a Mk.41's 63.8 x 63.8 cm.

Huh, I didn't realise the Mk41 was that wide. How come all the weapons (SM-3, Tomahawk, SM-6 booster) are 53.3cm? And MdCN is 50cm, so there doesn't seem to be much in it in terms of actual weapon diameter.

 

[kqcke for you]

Huh, I didn't realise the Mk41 was that wide. How come all the weapons (SM-3, Tomahawk, SM-6 booster) are 53.3cm?

Because of the canister holding it?

And MdCN is 50cm, so there doesn't seem to be much in it in terms of actual weapon diameter.

 

[Phoenix_jz]

Huh, I didn't realise the Mk41 was that wide. How come all the weapons (SM-3, Tomahawk, SM-6 booster) are 53.3cm? And MdCN is 50cm, so there doesn't seem to be much in it in terms of actual weapon diameter.

The missiles themselves are packed in canisters, which are sized to fit to the interior diameter of the VLS cell itself. These canisters have a degree of thickness themselves, which likewise costs you effective interior volume. In Mk.41, this has effectively set a limit of 21" (53.3cm) for the maximum booster diameter viable.


MdCN's reduced diameter also reflects this same fundamental limit - it too is contained in a canister, which is then loaded into the A70 silo.