UK-based electronics and systems group Thales has conducted the first demonstration of its latest self-propelled Starstreak missile system, incorporating automatic target tracking.

Starstreak II was demonstrated to a Ministry of Defence delegation at the the Manorbier Range in South Wales.

The range of the Starstreak II has been extended beyond 7km, with increased coverage, altitude and guidance precision for optimised small target destruction, says Thales.

The upgraded launcher and missile is planned to enter service at the end of 2010.

By Ozge Ibrahim