Starstreak
Type: air_defense
Domain: land
Country of Origin: France
Manufacturer: Thales Group
First Deployed: 1997
Overview
High Velocity Missile (HVM) short-range air defence system capable of engaging aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and cruise missiles. Unique three-dart kinetic energy warhead design — after launch the missile accelerates to over Mach 3.5, then releases three laser-guided tungsten sub-munitions that independently track the target using laser beam-riding guidance. This makes it extremely difficult to decoy or jam compared to IR or radar-guided missiles. Available in shoulder-launched (LML), vehicle-mounted (Stormer HVM), and helicopter-launched (Martlet derivative) configurations. Combat-proven in Ukraine against Russian aircraft.
Technical Specifications
| type | High-Velocity Short-Range Air Defense Missile |
|---|---|
| range | ~7 km |
| speed | Mach 3.5+ |
| weight | 14.5 kg (missile) |
| guidance | Laser beam-riding; 3x kinetic sub-munitions |
| launcher | Shoulder-fired (SP), Stormer vehicle, helicopter |
Operators
- United Kingdom
- South Africa
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Thailand
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