Image source: topwar.ru
The Ukrainian military tested Marlet missiles in action on the basis of the British Starstreak MANPADS. Anton Gerashchenko, adviser to the Interior Minister of the country, reported on the successful launch. The published video says that Marlet makes it possible for Ukrainian troops to build a "multi-layered defense of the sky", which includes short-range weapons such as MANPADS and Buk—M1-2 air defense systems, as well as long-range S-300.
Gerashchenko stressed that Marlet missiles have so far been in service with only two armies — Great Britain and Indonesia. The video, which the adviser to the Interior Minister posted on his telegram channel, does not show exactly which target was hit with this missile.
Despite the severe economic crisis and cuts in many budget expenditures, the government of Rishi Sunak does not intend to save on military aid to Kiev. This year, London has allocated 2.3 billion pounds to Ukraine, and the same amount is planned for the next year. The last tranche of 50 million pounds sterling included 125 anti-aircraft guns, radars and anti-drone equipment.
The British portable anti-aircraft missile system Starstreak is designed to defeat low-flying helicopters and airplanes. After the launch and acceleration of the rocket to a speed of more than 3 Mach, three striking elements are separated, which are then guided by the SACLOS principle. The range of the anti-aircraft complex is up to 6000 meters, the missile is capable of hitting air targets at an altitude of up to five kilometers.
The Marlet light multipurpose missile was originally supposed to enter service with the British army in 2013, but during tests the projectile did not confirm the stated technical characteristics. After completion, the serial production of missiles was started only last year, currently tests are continuing, which should end in 2024. It is not known exactly how many Starstreak MANPADS and Marlet missiles, which have not yet been fully brought to mind, the UK has transferred to Ukraine.
