expand its military assistance to Ukraine even further, with the supply of what has been described as “the best kit” western allies have provided to the beleaguered country so far.
13-ton British-made anti-aircraft vehicles with anti-aircraft missiles mounted will be sent by the UK to take on Russian jets and helicopters, as Moscow continues to bombard cities of Ukraine with rocket and artillery fire. The Stormer HVMs, which only need a driver, commander and gunner to crew them will be supplied to enable Ukrainian forces to clear the skies of Russian aircrafts. Two weeks ago, a delegation from Kyiv were shown the weapons in action at Salisbury Plain, according to The Sun. The newspaper added that the addition of the Stormer was hailed by experts who said this made it “the best kit” sent by Ukrainian allies yet.
The news comes after Defence Secretary Ben Wallace last month, revealed government’s plan to send the Starstreak system to Ukraine. These are missiles which can be either shoulder mounted or put on the turret of the Stormer. They are capable of being broken into three projectiles after being fired, thereby performing multiple strikes on targets. Travelling at more than three times the speed of sound, these missiles are well suited to taking down low-flying enemy jets.
“The Stormer/Starstreak combination will be a huge boost to Ukraine’s fighting capability,” former commander of British troops in Afghanistan, Colonel Richard Kemp, told The Sun. “It is an extremely effective, highly mobile combat vehicle that will do severe damage to any attempts at low-level attack by Putin’s air force.”
