Thales to supply STARStreak to Royal Thai Army
Thales UK will supply the STARStreak air defence missile system to the Royal Thai Army under a contract announced on 15 November. According to the company, the multi-million pound deal was welcomed by the Prime Minister, David Cameron, during his meeting with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra.
The system is comprised of STARStreak missiles – a very-short-range air defence (VSHORAD) missile – and Lightweight Multiple Launchers (LML). The LML tripod-based system allows swift deployment of STARStreak missiles to deal with attacks from low level fighter aircraft, Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) and attack helicopters. Thailand is acquiring the system as part of an ongoing programme to modernise its air defence forces.
The system’s 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 laser beam riding guidance, throughout the entire engagement thus increasing positive target identification and significantly reducing the risk of collateral damage. The system can be deployed from a variety of vehicle platforms such as RAPIDRanger – a highly mobile lightweight platform with the options of both Command and control interfaces and early warning or from the LML.
According to Thales, the STARStreak and LML systems were successfully deployed the London 2012 Olympics, where it formed a core element of the British Army’s air defence capability. The high-profile role of STARStreak in the air security plan for London 2012 has led to increased interest in the system around the world.
Alex Cresswell, vice president for land defence, Thales UK, said: ‘STARStreak is the leading VSHORAD system in the world today, enabling nations to protect key assets against both emerging and established threats. We are delighted by the selection of this system by the Royal Thai Army and will work with our customer to ensure a smooth delivery into-service and through life support.’
More from Land Warfare
-
![Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?]()
Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?
Framework contracts and leasing options aim to shorten acquisition timelines, while manufacturing partnerships could help suppliers scale production to meet allied demand.
-
![A medium UGV market emerges as the US weighs up its options]()
A medium UGV market emerges as the US weighs up its options
The US is pursuing multiple UGV programmes, from commercial robotic platforms to new autonomy technologies. The combination of these efforts could prove key to turning ambition into operational capability.
-
![NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement]()
NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement
NATO is looking to artificial intelligence to provide integration between different C2 systems to create a common operational picture, potentially offering a faster route to interoperability than the slow-moving processes of NATO standards committees.
-
![NATO FUSE exercise plays out real-world scenario in the face of eastern border risks]()
NATO FUSE exercise plays out real-world scenario in the face of eastern border risks
The large-scale exercise in Latvia was the culmination of three experimentation initiatives to see how platforms, weapons and systems could fit into the alliance’s Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative. As well as forces, it brought together companies and equipment.
-
![Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces]()
Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.
