During MBDA’s annual press conference held this week, the company’s CEO Eric Béranger shared an update on the STRATUS missile program. The assessment phase is now completed and the program is about to enter the development phase.
Unveiled in September 2025 at the DSEI trade show in London, STRATUS is a multinational collaboration between France, the UK, and Italy. It is designed to replace aging heavy-strike systems like the Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles and the Harpoon, Exocet and Otomat anti-ship missiles by the early 2030s.
“What is STRATUS? It is two missiles, STRATUS Low Observability and STRATUS Rapid Strike. One is subsonic and the other is supersonic. And it is two missiles but four missions: Deep strike, Anti-ship, SEAD / DEAD, Anti High-Value Aerial Asset”
Eric BérangerThe STRATUS family of missiles was previously known as the FC/ASW program for Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (or FMAN/FMC for futur missile anti-navire/futur missile de croisière in French). It will be fitted on naval and air platforms in Europe (Eurofighter, Rafale, GCAP, NGF, Royal Navy and French Navy surface combatants):
To elaborate on the four missions:
“During the UK French Summit in July 2025, the UK and France did commit to enter the development phase in the framework of the Lancaster 2.0 […] in addition, Italy has now joined the STRATUS LO alongside the UK and France so 2026 now is really a crucial year for this program with the expected imminent launch of the development phase.”
Eric BérangerStepping up to a new strategic dimension
During the press conference, MBDA’s CEO also highlighted the company’s ability to meet the increased production demands, with a production of missiles which doubled between 2023 and the end of 2025, while strengthening efforts in the years to come, with a new 40% projected rise in production in 2026 alone. In an ever-changing world, MBDA continues to showcase cooperation and innovation, supporting national sovereignty through expanded production capabilities and strategic partnerships. These efforts collectively bolster European defence readiness.
