What is Starstreak? UK’s most advanced missile being used by Ukraine

Ukraine has used UK’s most advanced anti-aircraft missile to take down a Russian helicopter flying over the Luhansk region.

A video being circulated online shows the Russian helicopter being cut in two after it was struck by a Starstreak missile.

What is Starstreak missile?

Starstreak is a ‘short-range, man-portable, air-defence system’ used by British forces.

It is said to be the fastest short-range surface to air missile in the world, capable of travelling at three times the speed of sound.

Designed to take down fighter jets and helicopters, Starstreak uses three projectiles to allow for multiple hits on a single target.

It can be fired from the shoulder or from an armoured vehicle.

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Starstreak was first used in the Iraq War in 2003, and since then has been deployed on numerous missions by the UK and other global users.