SHAH ALAM: More details have emerged of the Starstreak SAM deal which was signed in July at the current DSEI show in London.
It appears that we bought the same set-up as the Indonesian armed forces back in 2014, though it is likely that the numbers between the two services may vary. No word on the cost for the Malaysian deal however. The Indonesian one reportedly costs 100 million pounds or RM680 million.
It also appears that the Vamtac will be used for the RapidRanger turret while the RapidRover will be used on Global Komited GK-M1 vehicle.
Malaysia is also the first customer for the Lightweight Multiple Launcher New Generation (LML NG). The LML NG system can be used on a tripod or vehicle mount and supports swift deployment of STARStreak and/or the Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) systems.
The system provides two ready to fire missiles, allowing it to handle saturation air
attacks or provide a complimentary surface to surface capability.
Thales statement:
“Thales announced at DSEI that it has signed a contract with Global Komited, a company within The Weststar Group, to supply the Malaysian Armed Forces with ForceSHIELD, the Thales integrated Advanced Air Defence system.
In addition to the STARStreak missiles, the system comprises CONTROLMaster 200 radar and weapon coordination systems, RAPIDRanger and RAPIDRover mobile weapon systems and the Next Generation Lightweight Multiple Launcher, as well as associated communications.
The STARStreak missiles and launcher systems are manufactured in Thales’s facility in Belfast and the CONTROLMaster by Thales in France. This significant purchase by the Malaysian Armed Forces will increase jobs in Belfast and develop high value added jobs and skills set in Malaysia through a programme of technology transfer.
The purchase of ForceSHIELD will enable the Malaysian Armed Forces to replace and enhance the previously commissioned Thales STARBurst missile system, which has been in service since the mid 1990’s.
The STARStreak missile utilises the proven principle of ‘high velocity’ to defeat threats with short unmasking times. The three-dart configuration maximizes lethality and the highly accurate laser beam riding guidance enables engagement of small signature targets.
Victor Chavez, CEO of Thales UK, said: “I am delighted that another country has decided to buy ForceSHIELD. This latest-generation sensors to effectors solution will give Malaysia a world class, cutting edge capability. Increasing our export sales is a key part of Thales’ growth strategy and today’s news marks another milestone.”
• GM200 is a state-of-the-art 3D multibeam radar
• CONTROLView processes in real-time radar information and provides weapon
systems with accurate target designation and missile guidance data.
“I am delighted that Weststar and Thales have agreed to work together to supply the STARStreak missile system to the Malaysian Armed Forces. This is an excellent example of companies sharing technology to support the ongoing modernisation of the country’s Armed Forces. I very much value our Defence relationship with Malaysia and look forward to working with their government and Armed Forces as part of our enduring Defence cooperation”, said Philip Dunne, Minister of State for Defence Procurement.
— Malaysian Defence
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Now for a medium ranged SAM for Malaysia?
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Most likely.
This will Increse Our SAMs,But I Would Perfer Buy S-300VM Or Painstir S1.Even MIM-104 Patroit PAC-3 Would be our Long Range SAMs.
Finally, a networked MANPAD/V- SHORADS. It’s a far cry from operators having to rely on voice transmissions from Giraffe or TRS-3Ds to obtain early warning, as was the case with Starburst.
Hope we know how 2 use it effectively
Great news! We finally have a complete set of low level air defense system. Our existing manpads & oerlikon gun can join in this system to have a greater solution..
One question, is it a same radar used by Crotale NG/Mica? Could it be part of the plan to get m-sam?
Yes, I also will go for pantsir s1 bz of two in one solution.
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Yes it’s likely that the Gm200 could be used to cue MR SAMS. Whether or not its part of the planning for MR SAMs is beyond me.
I hope the gm200 radar can be networked with the madge-soc system, at least its a boost to our radar system
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of course it can both are Thales products..
Compare the way Starstreak info release with Jernas we have to travel far and waited months for it. Wonder why GOM did not release full info last July. Is it a current policy of releasing vague info (and keep us guessing) on defence procument? The best questions are still unanswered; how many units? How much million RM send to Belfast?when IOC?
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The July signing was just for the sake of the UK PM visit while this one is the one that set the payment started as all the details are spelled out ie numbers delivery times penalties etc.
As the rest are operational issues I will not get into them
Is the starstreak a 1 to 1 replacement of the starburst?
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Most likely
What is MAF’s definition of “medium range”?
Azlan,
We need medium range systems not long range or anti-ballistic systems like Patriot or S-300s. Ideally we would have V-SHORADs (MANPADS), SHORADS and a medium range system as part of a layered system but we don’t live in a perfect world. The next stop would be – if cash is ever available – to progress to something like MICA which is generations ahead of Russian systems like Pansir and would be easier to integrate to our existing network.
If a certain Malaysian company had it’s way, we would get a Chinese medium range system. Starstreak is intended to replace Starburst but in the near future Igla and Anza will also need replacing.
An automated and networked SAM system! Wonderful! Just hoping that they will not run to too much trouble integrating it along with the existing Jernas and Oerlikon 35mm. The GM200 has been touted as open architecture. I wonder if the Navy and Air Force will join in the buy.
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Most of the fire units will be operated by RMAF and RMN as air defence for bases
I think it will be better if we use the same missile for our medium range sam with the anti-air missile of our lcs.
Is it possible to fire starstreak missile with shoulder launching system?
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As shown in the post the Starstreak missile launcher is also mounted on a tripod. I guess its possible in emergencies to fire it from the shoulder. I will try confirm it if possible.
What about the CAMM/CAMM-ER instead of MICA for the next SAMs?
Its about to replace Sea Wolf and Rapier in the UK, so it should be simple for us too.
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It will depend on the specifications of the MR-SAMs and the final decision. It was reported before that GAPU had settled on the Aspide but in the end the Jernas was selected.
My guess is that most of the “Lightweight Multiple Launcher New Generation” (the industry loves acronyms!) will go to the RMN and RMAF.
Tom Tom,
If MICA goes on the LCS and Lekiu then it would make sense for GAPU to also get MICA.
But MICA range is not applicable to the range of medium range sam. With only 20 km of range its more of a short range air defense system. For me it is.
Nihd,
You’re right. MICA is considered a ”Short Range Air Defence System” [SHORADS]. In other words it’s a point defence system with more range than a ”Very -Short Range Air Defence System
[V-SHORADS or MANPADS]. The next natural step would be to progress to a system that has more range than what we currently operate and eventually progress from there; something like MICA or SL-AMRAAM.
Stuff like ASTER 30, SV300 or Patriot [which some people are so fond off largely because of ”long range”] would be great if we faced a ballistic missile threat but all these systems are not really intended to engage low flying targets and cost a bomb. Rather than a long range system, we should start from the bottom and get more ground based surveillance radars; which the RMAF has a requirement for.
For me, next step should be the SLAMRAM as we already operate about 40 Amraam C5/7. Dont think we need anything more than 20-25 km range for GBAD as imho anything more than that already covered by existing fighters BVRAAM.
For example,with SU30 mkm current radar capability,the full extend of R27 missiles (theoritcally up to max 130km) can be utilised and each fighter can cue up to two missiles each (4 missiles if uses R77). What is needed a more integrated situational awareness approach
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Based on my limited knowledge of the Jernas I am against buying any new missiles that require handling to and fro the launcher. This of course limited to SAMs only as there no AAM or AGM in a box launcher.
A Mica or a CAMM kept in its own canister throughout its whole lifespan are much more useful especially for our Armed Forces which are forced to skim on the type equipment they have at the armouries. Hopefully the latest SLAMRAM are placed in the new multiple launcher box other wise no way.
In the past it maybe permissible but not now.
As for relying on the Sukhoi or Hornets for air defence..
One major problem (amongst several) we face with Jernas is high humidity levels. We either have to keep certain stuff in a temperate control room or in an A/C room (not recommended by the OEM as this can lead to problems later due to moisture). Prolonged deployment away from base, with no temperate control and A/C rooms, will affect the various systems. This, albeit to a lesser degree, also affects the lifespan of small arms and artillery ammunition. It is to be expected that humidity will affect whatever air defence system we buy; as it is, portable humidifiers are used for certain stuff we operate.
As for range, we have to take into account that it will be rare for shots to be taken at maximum effective range as it depends on several factors, like how early the target is detected, how low it’s flying, jamming, etc. With Jernas shots detection can be done passively. I’m not sure if the whole set up we bought with Starstreak includes a passive detection system.
If MAF requires a MR GBAD in a box launcher. The Iris-T comes to my mind.
Pardon my ignorance, but MICA comes with both active radar and IR versions.
Does that mean that 2 missiles will be fired in tandem at each target with the presumption that if one misses, the other should hit ?
Tom Tom,
In theory yes but I’m not quite sure how this works out as on paper as the IR version would be fired at closer ranges.
The Russians had planned on fitting R-77 with an IR seeker. The idea being that a target, fired upon at BVR, wouldn’t know it had been fired upon until the missile got close and the seeker went active. The plan was to create an “AWACS killer” by having a ram jet R-77 with an IR seeker. The Soviets/Russians had a practical approach. Their doctrine called for 2-3 missiles to be launched at a single target to increase the chances of a hit, the idea being that 1 or more missiles would be decoyed.
The Alamo also comes with an IR and radar homing seeker. The Soviets/Russians were actually the first to come up with several ideas, e.g. the IRST, etc.
Latest news
Thailand laso odered additional starstreak systems to add to those already ordered in 2012
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/press-release/royal-thai-army-places-additional-order-starstreak-air-defence-missile
Looks like very good sales for the starstreak system I south east Asia.