A Sting Ray lightweight torpedo seen just prior to loading onto an RN Merlin helicopter. The upgraded Mod 2 weapon is planned to enter service in the early 2030s. (Richard Scott/NAVYPIX )
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that BAE Systems has been contracted to deliver the assessment phase for the Sting Ray Mid-Life Upgrade (SRMLU) programme.
Announced on 13 September the four-year GBP60 million (USD78.4 million) contract covers design and engineering activity to develop and test an upgrade embodiment to bring current Sting Ray Mod 1 lightweight torpedoes up to an improved Mod 2 standard. The award was made in late June this year, but the MoD has only now publicised the contract.
The Sting Ray Mod 1 torpedo is the primary anti-submarine warfare (ASW) weapon equipping Royal Navy (RN) Merlin HM2 and Wildcat HMA2 helicopters. It is also installed on a number of RN Type 23 frigates for ASW self-defence (being fired from a magazine torpedo launch system) and is in the process of being integrated on Royal Air Force (RAF) P-8A Poseidon MRA1 maritime patrol aircraft as part of the RAF's future torpedo capability.
BAE Systems Maritime Services, as the developer and manufacturer of Sting Ray Mod 1, began concept phase activities in 2019 to explore options for the SRMLU with the objectives of extending the life of the weapon, sustaining its capability against an evolving ASW threat, and identifying means to reduce costs through life. According to the company, the SRMLU design option matured during the concept phase is focused on delivering four key attributes: increased lethality, reduced costs of operation and ownership, simplified platform integration, and ‘futureproofing' to better manage ‘nose-to-tail' obsolescence and increase resilience in the supply chain.
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