Starstreak Missile System

Quick Facts

Variants	Starstreak Mark II Lightweight Multiple Launcher (LML) Seastreak Self-Propelled, High Velocity Missile (SP HVM) Starstreak Avenger Thor/Multi-Mission System (MMS)
Role and Mobility	Short-Range Air Defense; Man-Portable or Vehicle-Mounted
Interceptors and Range	Starstreak Missile Range: 0.3-7 km Speed: Mach 4 Starstreak Mark II Missile Range: 7+ km Speed: Mach 4
Sensors	CONTROLMaster 200 Radar
Targets	Fast Moving Aircraft
Status/Exports	Operational; United Kingdom, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia
Designer/Producer	Thales Air Defence

Overview

The Starstreak missile was designed in the United Kingdom to supplement the Rapier missile system in 1984. It is a short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) and is originally man-portable. Traveling at speeds greater than Mach 4, it is the world’s fastest short-range SAM.

There are several variations of the Starstreak Missile System:

Starstreak: The original missile system

Starstreak Mark II: Upgraded version of the Starstreak with increased range, coverage, altitude, and improved guidance precision against small targets[i]

LML: Lightweight multiple launcher, capable of being mounted on any light-wheeled vehicle, can engage three targets without reloading[ii]

Seastreak: Two versions of the Starstreak missile system designed to be mounted on a naval ship[iii]

SP HVM: 12 Starstreak missiles mounted on a tracked Stormer vehicle, roof-mounted air defense alerting device with infrared scanner for target detection and prioritization, automatically slews weapon sight on target[iv]

Starstreak Avenger: Starstreak variant designed for US Army’s Boeing Avenger[v]

THOR/Multi-Mission System: A four-missile turret mounted on a 6X6 Pinzgauer vehicle[vi]

Strategic Implications

As the fastest short-range surface-to-air missile, traveling at Mach 4, the Starstreak can intercept targets quicker than any other system. This can be valuable at short -range, where there is less time to act and speed becomes critical. The six variations of the Starstreak missile provide countries the ability to choose whatever system best fits their needs.