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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View Comments (23)
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.