Starstreak

File:Starstreak launcher on Dartmoor.jpg, England; one of the three missiles has been fired]]

File:Starstreak.JPG, September 2006]]

Development on the missile began in the early 1980s after an evaluation of missile and gun options to increase air defence capabilities showed that a high-velocity missile system would best meet the needs and could also replace existing shoulder-launched missiles. A General Staff Requirement (GSR{{nbsp}}3979){{cite book|title=Jane's Land-Based Air Defence 2005–2006 |date=February 2005|publisher= Jane's information group|isbn= 978-0-7106-2697-4}} was drawn up with the requirements of the system, specifying the requirement of three launch platforms for the missile:

• A self-propelled launcher.
• A three-round lightweight launcher.
• A man-portable launcher.

In 1984, the British Ministry of Defence awarded development contracts to British Aerospace (BAe) and Shorts Missile Systems; the BAe missile was known as Thunderbolt HVM. Shorts won the competition and were awarded £356 million. Further development and a production contract materialized in November 1986, and the missile was officially accepted into service in September 1997. The missile was intended to replace the Javelin surface-to-air missile in British service. The LML and shoulder-launched versions have been in use since 2000.

In July 2001, Thales received a contract for a successor identification friend or foe system for Starstreak.

In mid-2007, Thales UK in Northern Ireland revealed that it had developed Starstreak II, a much improved successor to the Starstreak missile. Some of the advantages of the new version are increased range of {{convert|7|km|mi|abbr=on}}, improved lethality, an improved targeting system, and much higher operating ceiling.{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/events/exhibitions/dsei2007/sections/daily/day1/starstreak-ii-sighted.shtml|title=Starstreak II sighted|first=Christopher F|last=Foss|date=10 September 2007|publisher=Janes Information Group|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412045238/http://www.janes.com/events/exhibitions/dsei2007/sections/daily/day1/starstreak-ii-sighted.shtml|archive-date=2009-04-12}}{{cite web |url= http://www.copybook.com/military/fact-files/starstreak_missile_system|date=18 April 2015|title=Starstreak High Velocity Missile |website= Copybook |url-status=|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150418130755/http://www.copybook.com/military/fact-files/starstreak_missile_system |archive-date=2015-04-18}}

In 2011, when it won a contract for the Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM), Thales announced it had agreed with the Ministry of Defence to "re-role previously contracted budgets to facilitate the full-scale development, series production and introduction of the LMM." The contract affected is speculated to have been Starstreak.{{cite web|url= http://rpdefense.over-blog.com/article-thales-wins-uk-missile-order-by-giving-up-other-work-71013036.html |title= Thales Wins UK Missile Order by Giving Up Other Work|date=4 April 2011|first=ANDREW|last=CHUTER| website=Defense News }}

File:Avenger 04.jpg mobile, short-range air-defence platform]]

When used in the light or MANPADS role, the Starstreak missile is transported in a sealed launch tube. This tube is attached to an aiming unit for firing. The operator tracks the target using the aiming unit's optically stabilized sight. The process of tracking the target allows the aiming unit to compute the right trajectory to bring the missile together with the target. The operator can indicate wind direction to the unit and, in the case of a long-range target, provide superelevation. When the initial tracking is complete, the operator fires the missile by pressing a button.

The missile then fires the first-stage rocket motor; this launches the missile from the tube but burns out before leaving the tube to protect the operator. {{convert|4|m|ft|spell=On}} away from the operator, when the missile is at a safe distance, the second stage fires. This rapidly accelerates the missile to a burn-out velocity exceeding Mach 3. As the second stage burns out, three dart sub-munitions are released.

The dart housing is made from a tungsten alloy. The darts are each {{convert|396|mm|in}} long, {{convert|22|mm|in}} in diameter, and about {{convert|900|g|oz}} in mass. Around half the weight of each dart – approximately {{convert|450|g|oz|abbr=on}} – is its explosive charge, detonated by a delayed-action, impact-activated fuse. Each dart consists of a rotating fore-body, with two canard fins, attached to a non-rotating rear assembly with four fins. The rear assembly of each dart also houses the guidance electronics including a rearwards facing sensor.

The darts do not home in on laser energy reflected from the target; instead, the aiming unit projects two laser beams which paint a two-dimensional matrix upon the target. The lasers are modulated, and by examining these modulations the sub-munitions sensor can determine the dart's location within the matrix. The dart is then steered to keep it in the centre of the matrix. The sub-munitions steer by briefly decelerating the rotating fore-body with a clutch. The front wings then steer the missile in the appropriate direction. The three sub-munitions fly in a formation about {{convert|1.5|m|ft}} in radius, and have enough kinetic energy to manoeuvre to meet a target evading at 9{{nbsp}}g at {{convert|7000|m|ft}} altitude.

Earlier laser guidance systems used a single beam that had to be kept on the target at all times, the missile homing in on laser energy reflected off the target; if it moved off the target, the reflection would end and guidance would be lost until the target was regained. This problem could be reduced by making the laser's beam wider, but at the cost of reduced accuracy and reflected energy. Starstreak's system allows for the beam area to be much larger than the target while retaining pinpoint accuracy.

On impact with the target a delayed-action fuze is triggered, allowing the projectile to penetrate the target before the explosive warhead detonates. The tungsten housing is designed to fragment and maximise damage inside the target.

In September 1999, the missile was demonstrated against an FV432 armoured personnel carrier, illustrating the missile's effectiveness as a surface-to-surface weapon. Each sub-munition dart travelling at {{convert|4500|km/h|mph}} has comparable kinetic energy to a shell from a Bofors 40 mm gun,{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} though it lacks the armour-penetration capabilities of a purpose-built anti-tank guided missile or a dual-purpose missile (such as the Air Defence Anti-Tank System).

Starstreak has a number of advantages over infrared homing guided, radar homing guided, and radio command guidance MCLOS/SACLOS (e.g. Blowpipe or Javelin) missiles:

• It cannot be jammed by infrared countermeasures or radar/radio countermeasures.
• It cannot be suppressed with anti-radar missiles.

File:Royal Marines Starstreak LRG South 2021.jpg

The missile was brought into service with 12th Regiment Royal Artillery and 47th Regiment Royal Artillery in 1997 as part of the High Velocity Missile (HVM) system equipped with both the Air Defence Acquisition Device (ADAD) and a ×60 thermal sight. Each regiment was equipped with 108 HVM self-propelled armoured launchers mounted on the Stormer tracked chassis capable of holding eight missiles ready to fire and a further eight reloads (the original capacity of twelve was reduced during a revision). The launchers could originally run on batteries for extended periods to minimise their signature, but significant upgrades dramatically increased the system's power requirements. A light-role variant known as HVM Lightweight Multi Launch (LML), capable of holding three ready-to-fire missiles, was also brought into service with the Air Defence Troop Royal Marines and a Royal Artillery Air Assault Battery attached to 16 Air Assault Brigade. The systems' armoured variant, the HVM Self Propelled (Stormer), saw service during the Second Gulf War but did not fire. The British Army currently uses the A5 fifth-generation missile, significantly improved from the original missile. The HVM SP and LML variants now carry a mix of both Starstreak A5 and Lightweight Multirole Missiles.

In 2012 HVM LML light role detachments equipped with Starstreak A4 missiles were emplaced on top of several blocks of flats in London to provide air defence for the 2012 London Olympics.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/olympics-britain-missiles-idUSL6E8FT00520120429|title=UK puts missiles on London rooftop to guard Olympics|agency=Reuters|date=2012-04-29|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018053907/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/29/olympics-britain-missiles-idUSL6E8FT00520120429|archive-date=2015-10-18}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18766547|title=Are Olympic missiles just for show?|publisher=BBC News|access-date=10 July 2012|date=2012-07-10|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710172412/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18766547|archive-date=10 July 2012}} In 2013, the British MoD ordered 200 more Starstreak missiles.{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mod-orders-more-starstreak-missiles|title=MOD orders more Starstreak missiles|date=11 October 2013|website=Ministry of Defence|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015000710/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mod-orders-more-starstreak-missiles|archive-date=2013-10-15}}

On 16 March 2022, following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace announced that the UK would supply Ukraine with Starstreak missiles to help prevent Russian air supremacy.{{cite news |title=UK supplying starstreak anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine, defence minister Wallace tells BBC |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/uk-supplying-starstreak-anti-aircraft-missiles-ukraine-defence-minister-wallace-2022-03-16/ |access-date=16 March 2022 |agency=Reuters |date=16 March 2021}} British soldiers trained Ukrainian forces to use the system.{{cite news|url= https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/british-starstreak-weapon-that-can-tear-a-mig-apart-m73fvvqqx|url-access=subscription |title=British Starstreak that can tear a MIG apart|work=The Times|location=London |date=2022-03-22|last1=Parker|first1=Charlie}} HVM SPs were also deployed to Poland as an interim measure until the arrival of Sky Sabre.{{cite news |url=https://www.forces.net/technology/weapons-and-kit/uk-showcases-missile-systems-send-poland |title=UK showcases missile systems to send to Poland |work=BFBS |date=21 March 2022 |access-date=21 March 2022 }} In April 2022, Starstreak missiles were in use by Ukrainian soldiers,{{cite news|url= https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/uk-news/2022/03/28/worlds-fastest-laser-guided-missile-deployed-to-ukraine/ |title= World's fastest laser-guided missile deployed to Ukraine |publisher= thenationalnews.com |access-date=2022-03-30}} and it was reported that Ukrainian forces appeared to have successfully used the system to shoot down a Russian Mi-28N attack helicopter.{{Cite news |last1=Parker |first1=Charlie |last2=Brown |first2=Larisa |date=2022-04-01 |title=UK missile shoots down first Russian helicopter in Ukraine war |work=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/uk-missile-shoots-down-first-russian-helicopter-in-ukraine-war-tztnmxqr2 |url-access=subscription |issn=0140-0460}}{{Cite news |title=Russian helicopter 'hit by British missile system' |author=|publisher=BBC News |date=3 April 2022 |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-europe-60968544}}{{cite web |author=Jack Buckby |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/british-starstreak-missile-is-shooting-down-russian-helicopters-in-ukraine-2022-5|title=Starstreak, the fastest surface-to-air missile ever made, is bringing down Russian helicopters in Ukraine| date=11 May 2022 |website=Insider}} The missile, according to footage released by the UK MoD, hit with all three projectiles, splitting the helicopter in half. In April 2022, the UK announced it would be providing Alvis Stormer vehicles armed with Starstreak.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/britain-sends-stormer-anti-aircraft-vehicles-to-ukraine-86hcsj7mh|title = Britain sends Stormer anti-aircraft vehicles to Ukraine|last1 = Parker|first1 = Charlie |work=The Times |date=19 April 2022 }} By June 2023, the system had been used to shoot down multiple Russian drones.{{cite news |title=Stealthy Destroyer of Orlan and Other Drones: Quiet Work of the British Missile System in the Hands of Ukrainian Military |url=https://en.defence-ua.com/news/stealthy_destroyer_of_orlan_and_other_drones_quiet_work_of_the_british_missile_system_in_the_hands_of_ukrainian_military-6975.html |access-date=3 April 2024 |work=Defense Express |date=11 June 2023}}

The British Army deployed Starstreak missiles to assist with the security of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.{{cite news |title=Starstreak manufacturer Thales sees weapons production double due to Ukraine |url=https://www.forces.net/technology/weapons-and-kit/nlaw-and-starstreak-manufacturer-thales-sees-weapons-production-double |access-date=3 April 2024 |work=Forces News |date=25 March 2024}}

October 2024 Portuguese Army Ordered 3 Rapid ranger quad launcher mounted on Vamtac St5 vehicles and 1 3D radar unit and LML missiles. Additional orders should rise to 12 units over next 6 years under the Lei de Programme 2023 to 2030.

File:Stormer vehicle fring a Starstreak High Velocity Missile (HVM) on Ex Javelin. MOD 45158838.jpg (HVM SP) firing Starstreak in 2014]]

• ATASK (Air To Air Starstreak): Fired from a helicopter. This was developed in combination with McDonnell-Douglas and Lockheed Martin electronics between 1995 and 1998 specifically for use with the AH-64 Apache. It has yet to enter service.
• LML: Fired from a Lightweight Multiple Launcher (LML) that holds three missiles ready for firing and can be used as either a stationary launch unit or mounted on a light vehicle such as a Land Rover or HMMWV (Humvee). The LML originated in a proposal under the Army Suggestions Scheme for the Javelin system.
• Seastreak: Two versions of a naval mounting have been demonstrated—a one-man mount similar to the LML but carrying a total of six missiles, and a close in weapon system mounting holding 24 missiles.
• Self-propelled (SP) HVM: Carried on an Alvis Stormer AFV with a roof-mounted eight-round launcher with internal storage for a further 8 missiles. This is the most common variant.
• Starstreak Avenger: Built to a U.S. Army requirement in the early 1990s, this system integrated the Starstreak missile on the Boeing Avenger vehicle, replacing 1 pod of Stinger missiles with 1 pod of 4 Starstreak and modifying the fire control system accordingly.
• Starstreak Mark II: Upgrade to the Starstreak.
• THOR/Multi Mission System (MMS): A four-missile turret mounted on a Pinzgauer (6×6) cross-country chassis,{{cite magazine|url=http://defense-update.com/products/t/thor.htm|title=Thor – Multi-Mission air defense|magazine=Defense Update|issue=3|year=2005|orig-date=Updated 2006-05-25|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129121441/http://defense-update.com/products/t/thor.htm|archive-date=2009-01-29}} launched by Thales UK in 2005.{{cite press release|url=http://www.thalesuk.com/thales_corporate/press-room/latest-news/latest-news-home.cfm?articleid=15044863|title=DSEi 2005: Thales UK launches THOR weapon system|publisher=Thales|date=2005-09-15|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412025348/http://www.thalesuk.com/thales_corporate/press-room/latest-news/latest-news-home.cfm?articleid=15044863|archive-date=2009-04-12}}
• RapidRanger MMS weapon launcher on URO VAMTAC vehicle

File:Close-up Starstreak URO VAMTAC, TNI-AD.jpg]]

• Man-portable shoulder launcher{{cite web |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/defence-and-security/air-forces/advance-air-defence/starstreak |title=STARStreak on Thales web site |publisher=Thales}}

File:Starstreak operators.png

; {{GBR}}:

:* HVM SP – Approx 40 systems for a front line establishment of 36 (156 originally purchased)

:* HVM LML – Approx 16 systems

:* UK MoD plans to procure 12 Rapid Ranger quadruple launch systems on URO VAMTAC ST5 vehicles to replace 6 HVM SP donated to Ukraine.{{cite news |title=UK plans to procure VAMTAC air-defence vehicles to replace Stormers donated to Ukraine |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/land/uk-plans-to-procure-vamtac-air-defence-vehicles-to-replace-stormers-donated-to-ukraine |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=Janes Information Services |date=12 July 2024}}

; {{ZAF}}:

:* LML – 8 LML launcher systems. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute trade registers list the number of Portable SAMs delivered as 96 with another order for 82{{cite web |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |title=Trade Registers |publisher=Armstrade.sipri.org |access-date=2014-05-03 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |archive-date=2010-04-14 }}

; {{flag|Thailand}}:

:* Royal Thai Army – Ordered in 2012[http://www.armyrecognition.com/november_2012_new_army_military_defence_industry/royal_thai_army_selects_thales_starstreak_air_defence_missile_system_1611121.html Royal Thai Army selects Starstreak] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120140208/http://www.armyrecognition.com/november_2012_new_army_military_defence_industry/royal_thai_army_selects_thales_starstreak_air_defence_missile_system_1611121.html |date=2012-11-20 }} – Armyrecognition.com, 16 November 2012

; {{flag|Indonesia}}:

:* Indonesian Army – First order was in November 2011, followed by a second but no deliveries were made and the contract was renegotiated in January 2014 to equip five batteries of ForceShield system{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Nick |date=25 June 2014 |title=DVD 2014: Indonesian SAMs break cover, promising enhanced anti-UAV capability |url=http://www.janes.com/article/40043/dvd-2014-indonesian-sams-break-cover-promising-enhanced-anti-uav-capability |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707005148/http://www.janes.com/article/40043/dvd-2014-indonesian-sams-break-cover-promising-enhanced-anti-uav-capability |archive-date=7 July 2014 |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=janes.com}} with Starstreak missiles, ControlMaster200 radars and weapon coordination systems, lightweight multiple launchers on Land Rover Defenders and RapidRanger weapon launchers on URO VAMTAC vehicles, at a cost of over £100m.{{cite web |last=Chuter |first=Andrew |title=Indonesia Purchases Air Defense System From Thales |date=14 January 2014 |publisher=Defense News |url= http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140114/DEFREG01/301140041/Indonesia-Purchases-Air-Defense-System-From-Thales |archive-url= https://archive.today/20140115151637/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140114/DEFREG01/301140041/Indonesia-Purchases-Air-Defense-System-From-Thales |url-status=dead |archive-date= 15 January 2014}} In 2022, PT. LEN stated that 9 battery already operational out of 10 battery ordered.{{Cite web |title=Kemhan, Mabes TNI AD dan PT Len Industri Lakukan Uji Tembak Rudal Starstreak {{!}} PT Len Industri (Persero) |url=https://www.len.co.id/kemhan-mabes-tni-ad-dan-pt-len-industri-lakukan-uji-tembak-rudal-starstreak/ |access-date=2022-11-06}}

; {{flag|Malaysia}}:

:* Malaysian Armed Forces – Ordered an undisclosed number of LML and vehicle-based variants in July 2015.{{cite news|title=Malaysia To Buy Starstreak V-Shorads Missiles|url=http://www.defenseworld.net/news/13597/Malaysia_To_Buy_Starstreak_V_Shorads_Missiles#.VbnuD_lVhBd|access-date=30 July 2015|publisher=Defense World|date=30 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801212630/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/13597/Malaysia_To_Buy_Starstreak_V_Shorads_Missiles#.VbnuD_lVhBd|archive-date=1 August 2015}} In used with the ForceSHIELD defense system.{{cite web |title= Thales to provide Forceshield and Starstreak to Malaysia |date= 2015-09-15 |publisher= Army Recognition |url= http://www.armyrecognition.com:80/dsei_2015_news_online_show_daily_coverage_report_u/thales_to_provide_forceshield_and_starstreak_to_malaysia_41509151.html |access-date= 2017-06-14 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150919072107/http://www.armyrecognition.com/dsei_2015_news_online_show_daily_coverage_report_u/thales_to_provide_forceshield_and_starstreak_to_malaysia_41509151.html |archive-date= 2015-09-19 |url-status= dead}} Will replace the Starburst.{{Cite web |title= Malaysian defenders |date=1 December 1999 |work=flightglobal.com |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/malaysian-defenders/29724.article |access-date= 26 April 2022}}

; {{flag|Ukraine}}:

:* Armed Forces of Ukraine – Deliveries were announced in March 2022 as part of UK military aid during the Russo-Ukrainian War.{{cite web |work=myukraineis.org |url=https://myukraineis.org/news/starstreak_anti_aircraft_missile_systems_are_arriving_in_ukraine-52.html |title=Starstreak anti-aircraft missile systems are arriving in Ukraine |date=29 March 2022}} The number of systems donated is reported to be 6.

:*

Future Operators

Portugal

• Portuguese Armed Forces — Plans announced in November 2024 show an initial purchase of 3 Rapid Ranger quadruple launchers alongside HVM & LMM missiles as part of a wider air defense modernisation program, the potential for follow on orders of up to 9 additional systems is called for under the Portuguese requirement.{{Cite news |title=Thales strengthens Portugal’s very short-range air defence capabilities with ForceShield system |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence-and-security/press_release/thales-strengthens-portugals-very-short-range-air}}

India

• Indian Armed Forces — An announcement at Aero India 2025 stated HVM had been selected to fill the urgent short-range air defense requirement for the Indian Army. Undisclosed vehicle mounted and man portable systems are to be procured with initial deliveries from Thales to begin in 2025, existing partner Bharat Dynamics Limited will also provide domestic production for up to 60% of the missiles.{{Cite news |title=Aero India 2025: Bharat Dynamics, Thales to deliver initial Starstreaks to India |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/weapons/aero-india-2025-bharat-dynamics-thales-to-deliver-initial-starstreaks-to-india}}

• Martlet (Lightweight Multirole Missile) – multi-role missile based on Starstreak and using same launch tube.
• Fireflash, a missile from the 1950s that used a similar configuration of an unpowered, guided munition that receives an initial acceleration from booster rockets
• Similar missiles include: Strela-2, Strela-3, Igla, Stinger, Anza (missile), Blowpipe, Javelin, Mistral, VSHORAD (India), KP-SAM Shingung and RBS 70.

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Starstreak missiles}}

• [https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/asset/document/STARStreak_05_12.pdf Improved Starstreak] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001708/https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/asset/document/STARStreak_05_12.pdf |date=2016-03-04 }}
• [http://www.armyrecognition.com/united_kingdom_british_light_heavy_weapons_army_uk/starstreak_hvm_high_velocity_short-range_surface-to-air_missile_manpads_technical_data_sheet_picture.html Starstreak short-range surface-to-air missile man portable system(Army recognition)]
• [http://www.copybook.com/military/fact-files/starstreak_missile_system Starstreak High Velocity Missile – Armed Forces International] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418130755/http://www.copybook.com/military/fact-files/starstreak_missile_system |date=2015-04-18 }}
• {{cite web |title=Starstreak |website=Thales |url= http://www.thales-airdefence.com/subVSRS.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061124093927/http://www.thales-airdefence.com/medias/Starstreak_HVM.pdf |archive-date=2006-11-24}}
• [http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/23273.aspx Starstreak HVM – British Army website]
• [http://www.armedforces.co.uk/army/listings/l0050.html Starstreak High Velocity Missile – armedforced.co.uk]
• [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/starstreak.htm Starstreak HVM – Global Security]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090310170501/http://videos.howstuffworks.com/discovery/7104-starstreak-thor-video.htm THOR/Multi Mission System (video) – howstuffworks.com]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8iYrszTgtk Royal Marines Air Defence Troop, High Velocity Missile live firing]

{{Thales Group}}

{{UKmissiles}}

Category:Post–Cold War missiles of the United Kingdom

Category:20th-century surface-to-air missiles

Category:Surface-to-air missiles of the United Kingdom

Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1990s

Category:Short Brothers missiles