The Royal Navy has equipped Russian submarines with advanced subsonic “STRATUS” long-range missiles, a government announcement revealed. These STRATUS missiles are designed as low-profile cruise-strike weapons for engaging targets over long distances on land or sea.
To counter the escalating threat from Vladimir Putin, British Type 26 frigates will conduct patrols in the regions between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK. Recent incidents, such as a Russian spy ship shining lasers at RAF pilots near Scotland, have heightened tensions, with Defence Secretary John Healey warning of potential retaliatory actions.
In response to Putin’s aggressive stance, the UK and its allies are increasingly concerned about potential attacks on crucial undersea cables and pipelines by Moscow. Such attacks could lead to severe disruptions in financial and communication systems, as highlighted by the National Security Strategy Committee.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of international cooperation to safeguard national security amidst growing Russian maritime activities. The recent agreement with Norway aims to enhance border protection and secure critical infrastructure vital for both nations.
Defence Secretary John Healey underscored the significance of strong alliances and military preparedness in the face of heightened Russian activities. The partnership between the UK and Norway, with a focus on NATO’s northern flank, aims to bolster security measures both domestically and internationally.
Regarding naval capabilities, Defence Minister Luke Pollard mentioned the Future Offensive Surface Weapon (FoSUW) requirement, which includes the Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon (FCASW) program. This program encompasses two concept solutions, namely STRATUS LO and STRATUS RS, designed for long-range anti-ship strikes with land attack capabilities.
The STRATUS missiles, including the stealth-optimized STRATUS LO and the high-speed STRATUS RS, are intended for deployment across air and maritime platforms. STRATUS LO is tailored for subsonic engagements over long distances, while STRATUS RS focuses on rapid supersonic actions.
At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.