At the top speed the Starstreak reaches a speed of Mach 3. After the initial acceleration the carrier missile seen here separates into three projectiles, maneuvering separately and synchronously to strike the target in different points to maximize the damage. Photo: ThalesThe UK Ministry of Defense has contracted Thales UK for a further 200 STARStreak short-range surface-to-air missiles. Since its fielding in 1995 the Starstreak missile has been a key component of the UK’s Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) capability. The order has been placed to increase STARStreak stocks as part of the Government’s transformation agenda for the Armed Forces, Force 2020, to equip both the Regular and Reserve forces with the STARStreak systems. Thales said it is constantly improving its systems in response to evolving military requirements.
STARStreak is the world’s fastest very-short-range air defence (VSHORAD) missile. Its peak velocity of over Mach 3 means it can cover a kilometre in under a second. Targeting and full control of the three dart missiles is maintained by the operator via the use of a unique laser beam riding guidance system throughout the entire engagement, thus increasing positive target identification and significantly reducing the risk of fratricide.
The system can be deployed from a variety of vehicle platforms such as RAPIDRanger – a highly mobile lightweight platform with the options of both Early Warning, Slew to Cue and Command and Control interfaces – or from the tripod-based Lightweight Multiple Launcher (LML) that is easy to set up and which can provide a rapid deployment capability.
Cost of ownership is low as the missiles require no maintenance through life. They have a shelf life of 15 years and a proven record of high reliability. The missile complies with up-to-date Insensitive Munitions requirements.
The new Rapidranger comprises multiple weapon launchers, electro-optical observation and guidance system. The system shown here at DSEI 2013 mounted LMM direct attack laser guided weapon and Starstreak laser guided VSHORAD weapon.
In this edition of the DefenseTech Brief, we examine Europe's accelerated armored vehicle modernization efforts, contrasting them with the U.S. Army's scaling back of legacy programs. The report highlights key procurement initiatives in Greece, Romania, and the Netherlands, showcasing a strategic shift towards domestic industrial participation and advanced mechanized capabilities. This divergence underscores differing defense priorities and threat perceptions between the U.S. and its European allies.
As the U.S. Army scales back its armored vehicle programs, European nations are accelerating major modernization efforts, acquiring thousands of new armored fighting vehicles across multiple platforms. This article examines key programs in Greece, Romania, and the Netherlands, highlighting recent, local industrial involvement, competing international bids, and the broader implications of diverging transatlantic defense priorities.
Rheinmetall showcased its enhanced SSW40 grenade rifle at DEFEA 2025, a magazine-fed, semi-automatic 40mm launcher with advanced fire control and planned support for programmable airburst munitions. Designed for both low- and medium-velocity grenades, the SSW40 significantly expands the precision and range of squad-level firepower.
The defense technology landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with this week's developments highlighting several interconnected trends that present significant investment opportunities across multiple domains. The fundamental shift toward low-cost, mass-produced autonomous systems represents perhaps the most disruptive market dynamic, creating opportunities for both established defense primes and specialized technology providers.
The U.S. Army’s 2025 restructuring marks a decisive pivot—from legacy platforms to precision fires, autonomy, and rapid mobility. While this transformation opens new opportunities in missiles, drones, and sustainment tech, it also puts pressure on traditional players. We break down the winners, the exposed, and what this means for investors and defense suppliers.
Last week, the U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) reached a significant milestone in the development of its sea-based hypersonic capability with a successful end-to-end flight test of the 'Dark Eagle' conventional hypersonic missile...
