Further phases of the Sting Ray Mod 1 integration onto the RAF’s P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft are anticipated in 2027 but remain subject to investment decisions.

Minister of State for Defence Luke Pollard confirmed the position in response to a written question from Ben Obese-Jecty, the Conservative MP for Huntingdon, tabled on 26 May.

Pollard said the initial contract for the basic integration was awarded to BAE Systems Surface Ships Ltd in December 2024 and that “work is ongoing to deliver this initial capability,” but added that “further phases of integration are anticipated in 2027 but are subject to investment decisions.”

Sting Ray torpedo upgrade moves to demo phase

As the UK Defence Journal previously reported, a transparency notice published in April 2026 confirmed the intention to direct award a £19.2 million contract to BAE Systems Surface Ships Limited, with the contract due to be signed in February 2027 and running through to 2032 with an option to extend to 2035. The MoD cited BAE Systems’ unique technical expertise spanning more than 26 years, stating that no other supplier holds the specific technical expertise, experience or engineering capability required to safely deliver the integration while maintaining current levels of weapon effectiveness.

Sting Ray Mod 1 will complement rather than replace the Mk54, giving crews a sovereign British weapon alongside the American alternative. The MoD first announced its intention to select Sting Ray Mod 1 for the Poseidon fleet in late 2023.

13 COMMENTS

  1. Hasnt Norway has already committed to that integration combination. Firstly a few years ago and then reiterated again in Dec last year.

    • Wonder if Norway could also offer the JSM for the P8s and F35Bs and even F35As when they arrive? Does the Storm Shadow have a AShM ability?

      • Storm Shadow wasn’t conceived to hit moving targets.

        Newer models can mid course correct so with target data updates from a suitable source it can.

    • But Norway isn’t going to give that away for free, they will want to get some of their investment back, so still requires money

  2. If I hear the word ‘DIP’ everything is waiting for this to be published from Tanks/ships/rifles/weapons/stocks etc.if becoming tiring just publishing it NOW

    • Other priorities, like hotel bills for imports and dole money for over a million anxious young people with ADHD….

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