DSEI 2025: FC/ASW becomes Stratus, as low observable missile design breaks cover
MBDA's former TP-15 stealthy Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon, now Stratus-LO, displayed at DSEI 2025. (Janes/Richard Scott)
European missiles group MBDA has revealed the name Stratus for the next-generation Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) system in development for France, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
Announced at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 exhibition, held in London from 9 to 12 September, the name is being adopted by both FC/ASW variants – the turbojet-powered TP15 low observable subsonic missile becomes Stratus-LO (low observable), while the ramjet-powered RJ10 supersonic missile is Stratus-RS (rapid strike).
In a separate development at DSEI, MBDA unveiled a full-scale model showing the final shape of the Stratus-LO missile – revealing an aerodynamic design substantially different from that previously publicised by the company.
Launched following the November 2010 Lancaster House Treaty, the FC/ASW programme was originally conceived to converge French and UK requirements for a new long-range anti-ship capability (to replace Exocet and Harpoon respectively) and a new conventionally armed deep strike missile (replacing the SCALP/Storm Shadow missile family). The two governments in late 2021 jointly funded MBDA to complete a three-year assessment phase activity.
In June 2023, Italy announced its intention to join the FC/ASW programme and signed a so-called convergence contract later that year to join the assessment phase and realign FC/ASW as a three-nation development.
Go beyond the headlines - with direct links to interconnected entities
Get full access to validated equipment, military capabilities, and market insights.
