Britain is accelerating the development of long-range precision strike and hypersonic missiles in partnership with major European allies.
Britain's Ministry of National Defense said in a statement on the 13th (local time) that it is investing more than £400 million (about 790 billion won) in just this fiscal year to develop supersonic weapon systems. The investment includes core technology research and development and ground and flight tests.
Britain is first pursuing "Stratus," a next-generation stealth missile development project with France and Italy to replace the existing Storm Shadow missile. The missile will be developed in two versions—stealth and high-speed—and aims to have capabilities for precision strikes on high-value targets, sinking enemy warships, and suppressing air defenses.
The Daily Telegraph, citing Ministry of National Defense officials, reported that the Stratus missile is expected to be mounted on the Navy's new Type 26 frigates by the 2030s.
Alongside this, joint research with Germany on a new long-range weapons system named "Deep Precision Strike" is also moving into full swing. Targeting a range of more than 2,000 kilometers, the system is being developed for deployment in the 2030s.
John Healey, Britain's defense Minister, is set to attend the Munich Security Conference in Germany the same day to discuss related cooperation plans with allies. Healey said, "In a new security environment where threats are growing, strong military power, alliances, and diplomacy are essential," adding, "As long-range precision weapons have shown decisive impact in the war in Ukraine, Britain is also strengthening this capability."
He added, "Through cooperation with Germany, France, and Italy, we will secure state-of-the-art weapons systems that safeguard the security of Britain and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and strengthen deterrence."