The Starstreak missiles are believed to be the fastest surface-to-air missiles in the world and are a key part of Britain’s ground defense capability. The portable system was built by defense company Thales at its Belfast plant and used to protect London during the 2012 Olympics.
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The Defense Ministry said it was the first time the missile had been used to shoot down a Russian plane during the conflict, according to reports. In the video, the helicopter appears to be hovering in the sky before being engulfed in flames and falling to the ground after its tail was hit by a missile. Britain announced on March 9 that it would supply missiles to Ukraine. High-speed missiles can travel more than a kilometer in less than a second and can be used to deal with the threat posed by fighter jets, helicopters and unmanned aerial systems. Ahead of the missile strike in Ukraine, Defense Minister Ben Wallace said: “As the conflict intensifies, the Russians are changing their tactics and the Ukrainians must also… “We can all see the horrific devastation inflicted on civilian areas by Russian artillery and air raids – indiscriminate and deadly. Therefore, it is vital that Ukraine maintain its ability to fly and suppress Russian air strikes. “To date, the international community has donated more than 900 portable air-to-air missiles and thousands of guided anti-tank weapons of various types. “But the capability needs to be strengthened, so in response to Ukraine’s request, the government decided to investigate the Starstreak donation of high-speed and portable anti-aircraft missiles. “We believe that this system will remain within the definition of defensive weapons, but will allow the Ukrainian front line to better defend their skies.”
