The Defence Secretary said Ukraine has been using Starstreak missiles for weeks.
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)The UK will send Stormer armoured vehicles with anti-air missiles to Ukraine amid the conflict in the country following Russia’s invasion.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said on Monday: “I can now announce to the House that we will be gifting a small number of armoured vehicles fitted with launchers for those anti-air missiles.
“The Stormer vehicles will give Ukrainian forces enhanced, short-range anti-air capabilities both day and night.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson previously said the UK would provide Ukraine with £100 million worth of weapons.
He said the UK would send precision munitions "capable of lingering in the sky until directed to their target.”
But what exactly are the Stormer vehicles that the UK is sending to Ukraine?
What are Stormer armoured vehicles?
Stormer armoured vehicles are 13.5 tonne tank-like vehicles manufactured by BAE Systems Land & Armaments, that can travel up to 50 mph.
They were modified from armoured personnel carriers to launch high-velocity Starstreak missiles.
Three people – a driver, commander and operator – operate the vehicles and the Starstreak launchers.
What are Starstreak missiles?
The Defence Secretary said Ukraine has been using Starstreak missiles for weeks.
Starstreak missiles are short-range anti-aircraft missiles and can travel at speeds of 2,000 mph.
The Starstreak system allows multiple hits on a target as the laser-guided projectiles split into three darts.
Manufacturer Thales says the Starstreak missile “is the fastest missile of its type in the world, highly accurate and resistant to countermeasures.”
The missiles were first used in Iraq in 2003 and have since been used by the UK and other countries.
