Missile Starstreak

Development began in the early 1980s following an evaluation of air defense requirements. A General Staff Requirement specified three launch platforms: self-propelled, lightweight, and man-portable. A production contract was finalized in 1986, and the system was officially accepted into service in 1997 to replace the Javelin surface-to-air missile. An updated version, Starstreak II, was revealed in 2007.

The system is a high-velocity surface-to-air missile capable of man-portable, vehicle-mounted, or naval deployment. The missile utilizes a two-stage solid propellant rocket motor. The first stage ejects the missile from the launch tube, while the second stage accelerates it to speeds exceeding Mach 3. Upon burnout of the second stage, the missile releases three tungsten-alloy sub-munitions, or darts. These darts contain an explosive charge detonated by a delayed-action impact fuse, which allows for penetration of the target before detonation. Guidance is provided via Semi-Automatic Command to Line of Sight (SACLOS) laser-beam riding. The aiming unit projects a two-dimensional matrix of modulated laser beams. Sensors in the rear of each dart detect these modulations to determine their position within the matrix, adjusting canard fins to maintain a central trajectory. This guidance method is immune to infrared and radar countermeasures. The system has also demonstrated effectiveness against armored personnel carriers in a surface-to-surface role.

The missile entered service with the British Army in 1997, where it is deployed on tracked armored chassis and lightweight multiple launchers. It is also operated by the Royal Marines. The system saw service during the Second Gulf War and was deployed for security operations during the 2012 and 2024 Summer Olympics. During the Russo-Ukrainian War, the system was supplied to Ukrainian forces and used to intercept attack helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. In one recorded incident, the system was used to shoot down a Mi-28N attack helicopter. The system is exported to several countries, including South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It is also slated for future service with the Portuguese and Indian armed forces.