Ukraine’s Armed Forces recently announced that another batch of soldiers were in the U.K. learning to use the Starstreak missile, a weapon supplied to Kyiv by the U.K. to counter Russia’s air superiority. The missile travels at more than three times the speed of sound and can hit a target multiple times due to its three dart-like projectiles. British troops had been deployed to Eastern Europe in March 2022 to train Ukrainian forces on the use of Starstreak, which was described as “catastrophic” and “potent” by U.K.’s Colonel Graham Taylor. In April 2022, a Ukrainian Starstreak missile was reportedly used to down a Russian Mi-28 helicopter, demonstrating its effectiveness in combat situations.
The Starstreak missile is a man-portable, air-defense system (MANPAD) that is ideal for ambushing enemy aircraft from short range. It is equipped with three tungsten darts attached to a rocket motor, making it the fastest weapon of its type in the world. The missile is accelerated to more than Mach 3.0, ensuring high kinetic energy upon impact. It also has a laser guidance system that uses two modulating lasers to create a matrix for targeting aircraft. The darts have an explosive charge on a delayed fuse to ensure damage to the target. These features make the Starstreak resistant to countermeasures and highly effective in targeting aircraft.
Ukraine has used various similar systems, including the U.S.-made Stinger, the Swedish-made RBS 70, and the Soviet-era Igla, but the Starstreak stands out for its speed and precision. The missile’s kinetic energy and explosive charge make it a formidable weapon against aircraft, posing significant challenges to enemy pilots. With its unique laser guidance system and high velocity, the Starstreak has proven to be a valuable asset for Ukrainian forces in countering Russian aerial advances. In addition to the shoulder-fired MANPAD version, the Starstreak can be mounted on vehicles like the Stormer armored vehicle, enhancing Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
Ukraine has had success in recent months using MANPADS systems to shoot down Russian fighter jets, including the Su-25. The National Guard claimed to have downed a Russian Su-25 fighter jet in Donetsk Oblast, adding to previous claims of shooting down multiple Su-25s in May and June. The General Staff reported that Russia has lost 362 planes since the start of the invasion, although these figures could not be independently verified. The use of MANPADS systems, including the Starstreak missile and other similar weapons, has proven critical in Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, showcasing the effectiveness of these air defense systems in combat situations.
The Starstreak missile’s advanced technology and capabilities have significantly contributed to Ukraine’s defense strategy, allowing its forces to counter Russian aerial threats effectively. With its high speed, precision targeting, and resistance to countermeasures, the Starstreak has emerged as a critical asset in Ukraine’s arsenal. The missile’s successful use in downing a Russian Mi-28 helicopter and targeting other aircraft demonstrates its reliability and potency in combat scenarios. As Ukraine continues to face ongoing challenges from Russian aggression, weapons like the Starstreak play a crucial role in safeguarding its sovereign skies and deterring illegal aerial advances.
Overall, the training and deployment of the Starstreak missile by Ukrainian armed forces, with support from the U.K., signifies a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. The missile’s unique features, including its high velocity, precision guidance, and multiple dart projectiles, make it a formidable weapon against enemy aircraft. With recent successes in shooting down Russian fighter jets, the Starstreak has proven to be a valuable asset in Ukraine’s defense strategy. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the use of advanced air-defense systems like the Starstreak reflects the country’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and deterring aggression from hostile forces.
