Starstreak Missile

Manufacturer: Thales UK
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System Laser Beam Riding (SACLOS)
Maximum Speed Mach 3+
Launch Compatibility Man Portable Launcher, Lightweight Multiple Launcher, Stormer HVM Vehicle
Warhead Technology Three Tungsten Alloy Kinetic Energy Darts with Delayed Action Explosive Charges

Defense Systems Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	Starstreak High Velocity Missile (HVM)
Type / Role	Very Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VSHORAD)
Country of Origin	United Kingdom
Manufacturer	Thales Air Defence Ltd.
Service Entry / Year Introduced	1997
Operational Status	Active

2. Performance & Range

Range	Approximately 7 km
Speed	Mach 3+
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	Up to approximately 5 km
Accuracy (CEP)	Not Applicable, direct hit guided missile
Warhead Type	Three Kinetic Energy Darts with High Explosive Fragmentation Charges

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	Laser Beam Riding
Targeting Mode	Command Guided (SACLOS)
Launch Platform Compatibility	Shoulder Launcher, Vehicle Mounted Launcher, Stormer HVM
Seeker Type	Laser Beam Rider (No Infrared or Radar Seeker)

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	1.39 m
Diameter	0.13 m
Wingspan	Approximately 0.27 m
Launch Weight	Approximately 14 kg (Missile), Approximately 20 kg Complete MANPADS System
Propulsion	Two Stage Solid Fuel Rocket Motor

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	Three Tungsten Alloy Darts (Approximately 0.9 kg each)
Explosive Type	Delayed Action High Explosive Fragmentation
Detonation Mechanism	Delayed Impact Fuse
Payload Options	Conventional

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Short
Deployment Platform	Ground, Vehicle Mounted
Target Types	Helicopters, Fighter Aircraft, Transport Aircraft, UAVs, Cruise Missiles
Combat Proven	Yes
Users / Operators	United Kingdom, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Ukraine

PROS

Extremely high speed exceeding Mach 3
Resistant to electronic jamming through laser beam riding guidance
Triple dart warhead improves hit probability
Effective against helicopters, drones, and low flying aircraft
Compatible with portable, vehicle mounted, and air defense platforms

CONS

Requires continuous operator tracking until impact
Short engagement range compared to medium range SAM systems
Less effective against high altitude aircraft
Operator training requirements are relatively demanding
Export availability is limited due to defense regulations

Starstreak Missile, High Speed Air Defense System

The Starstreak Missile is a British-made, very short range air defense missile (VSHORAD) designed to defeat fast moving aerial threats including helicopters, low flying aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Developed to provide rapid battlefield air defense, Starstreak is recognized as one of the fastest operational surface to air missiles in the world. Unlike conventional infrared guided missiles, it uses an advanced laser beam riding guidance system that makes it highly resistant to electronic countermeasures.

Manufacturer

Starstreak was developed by Thales Air Defence Ltd. (formerly Shorts Missile Systems) in the United Kingdom. It entered operational service with the British Army in the late 1990s and has since been exported to several allied nations. The missile can be launched from shoulder fired systems, lightweight multiple launchers, armored vehicles, and the Stormer High Velocity Missile platform.

Speed

Starstreak accelerates to over Mach 3, allowing it to engage high speed aircraft with extremely short reaction times. After launch, the missile separates into three tungsten alloy dart submunitions, each independently guided within the laser beam toward the target, increasing the probability of a successful intercept.

Range

The missile has an effective engagement range of approximately 7 kilometers and can intercept targets at altitudes of up to 5 kilometers. Its combination of speed and precision makes it particularly effective against attack helicopters, drones, and low altitude aircraft operating near the battlefield.

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Cost / Price

The estimated unit cost of a Starstreak missile is approximately US$100,000 to US$150,000, depending on procurement quantity, launcher configuration, support equipment, and contract terms. Official export pricing varies between customers.

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