September 15, 2015 thalesgroup.com

Thales announced today 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 maximises lethality and the highly accurate laser beam riding guidance enables engagement of small signature targets.

Victor Chavez, CEO of Thales UK, says: “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.”

    "I am delighted that Westar 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."

    Philip Dunne, Minister of State for Defence Procurement

Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference, Kuala Lumpur - Global Komited Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Weststar Group of Companies, has been successfully appointed by Thales to develop, promote, market, and distribute a wide range of Ground-Based Air Defence systems to the Malaysian Armed Forces.

The signature ceremony, attended by The Malaysian Defence Minister, YB Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Tun Hussein, was held during the first day of the Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference in Kuala Lumpur today. The event marked the appointment of Global Komited Sdn Bhd as a key industrial partner agent for Thales in the region.

Established in 2003, Global Komited Sdn Bhd is a leader in the design and engineering of defence fabrication works. Over the years, it has increased its reach through strategic collaborations with renowned and trusted partners.

Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, Weststar Group Managing Director, said: “The agreement signed today is a positive development for the country's defence industry and includes the transfer of technology and knowledge of Ground-Based Air Defence systems that will benefit both the Malaysian Armed Forces as well as other armed forces in the region in the long run.”

He also added that for this year’s DSA exhibition, WESTSTAR, under its subsidiary Global Komited, will be showcasing several vehicles that focus on different fields of application for the defence and security sectors.

Their flagship vehicle, the GK-M1, highlights a new application whereby a Lightweight Multiple Missile Launcher may be mounted onto the vehicle with Thales STARStreak missiles installed within the Missile Launcher.

STARStreak Missile technology represents the latest development from Thales’s Belfast- based activity in Ground Based Air Defence systems, and will enable the Malaysian Armed Forces, particularly the Royal Malaysian Air Force, to replace the previously commissioned Starburst Missile System.

With this new collaboration, Thales will facilitate Global Komited in further incorporating a more comprehensive range of allied defence systems, such as a Command and Control radar system to support and protect all important government and military assets.

About Global Komited Sdn Bhd

Global Komited Sdn Bhd is a specialised vehicle manufacturing and bodywork engineering company. Initiated in 2003 as a Ford dealership, in 2007 the company shifted its focus into the more specialised industry when it entered into agreements with several Original Equipments and Vehicles Manufacturers around the world to promote, develop and manufacture a wide range of commercial, specialised vehicles, including aircrafts, in Malaysia.

Having quickly established itself in its niche industry, Global Komited is on course towards achieving its aspiration of becoming a major supplier of automotive, aviation and electronic products and services in Malaysia, as well as in the region, for commercial and defence applications.

15/10/2013 by Paul Fiddian - Armed Forces International's Lead Reporter

The Ministry of Defence has contracted Thales to supply the UK Armed Forces with 200 additional STARStreak surface-to-air missiles, it's been confirmed.

The British Army has been a STARStreak MANPADS (Man-portable air-defence system) user since 1997.

A prime element of the UK's GBAD (Ground-Based Air Defence) capability, STARStreak missiles formed part of the London 2012 Olympic Games' security shield. Deployed by the British Army, their involvement was considered paramount in helping deter would-be terrorists from targeting the event.

To date, some 7,000 missiles have been produced in numerous versions but, so far, none have been launched operationally. Four feet seven inches long, the missiles are equipped with a trio of explosive sub-munitions and reach a maximum velocity of Mach 3.5 when in flight.

British Army STARStreaks

Currently, the British Army has around 150 STARStreak missile launchers in service, while South Africa has eight and, last year, the Royal Thai Army became the weapon's newest customer.

News of the 2013 British Army STARStreak missiles order was delivered by David Cameron, Prime Minister, at the recent Northern Ireland Investment Conference. It represents one component of the Force 2020 project - an ongoing British Army equipment review programme.

200 STARStreaks Order

‘Not only will this contract sustain jobs at our facilities in Northern Ireland, but it also demonstrates very clearly to our export customers the ongoing importance and trust that the UK MoD places in the STARStreak system and our design, manufacturing and support capabilities", said Thales Managing Director, David Beatty, in the firm's 200 STARStreaks order press release.

"We saw during the Olympics last year how important our air defence capability is", added Philip Dunne MP, the Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology. "This contract for 200 extra STARStreak missiles will not only provide our Armed Forces with a highly capable weapon, but it also secures hundreds of highly skilled defence jobs in Northern Ireland and should provide confidence to the export markets of the STARStreak system."