UK to begin P-8A flight trials for Sting Ray Mod 1 torpedo integration

The UK is moving toward operationally integrating the domestically developed Sting Ray Mod 1 lightweight ASW torpedo onto RAF P-8A Poseidon aircraft, with initial air-carriage and jettison trials planned for Q3 2026. While Sting Ray is not new, adapting and certifying it for the P-8 platform expands UK sovereign ASW weapon options beyond the US Mk 54 and represents a notable capability integration step.