Sending The STARStreak Anti-aircraft Missiles To Ukraine To Confront Russia, British Defense Secretary: Essential To Resist Air Strikes

British STARStreak defense system. (Wikimedia Commons/Nilfanion)

JAKARTA - Britain is supplying Ukraine with STARStreak anti-aircraft missiles, Defense Minister Ben Wallace told the BBC, seeing it important to strengthen air defenses amid the Russian invasion.

Air defense capabilities have become critical, amid repeated requests by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a no-fly over their airspace, while the United States, Britain, and NATO continue to 'refuse', fearing a direct conflict with Russia.

"We are supplying them (Starstreak). They are going to the theater (battlefield)," Minister Wallace said as quoted by Reuters from the BBC on March 17.

Last week Secretary Wallace said a decision had in principle been taken to supply the weapons systems.

Britain plans to supply Ukraine with anti-aircraft missiles to help defend the skies against a Russian invasion, stressing the technology falls within the definition of a defensive weapon.

British STARStreak defense system on armored vehicles. (Wikimedia Commons/Sgt Mark Webster RLC)

"It is very important that Ukraine maintains its ability to fly and withstand Russian airstrikes," Minister Wallace told lawmakers.

"In response to Ukraine's request, the government has taken the decision to explore the donation of the STARStreak high-speed portable anti-air missile. We believe this system will remain within the definition of a defense weapon but will allow Ukrainian forces to better defend their skies," he explained.

However, Secretary Wallace acknowledged that British support was limited to defense armaments.

"Everything we do is bound by the decision to supply defense systems, and calibrated not to escalate to a strategic level," Wallace said.

As a member of the NATO military alliance, Britain has rejected requests from Ukraine to impose a no-fly zone in the country. Britain said it could mean NATO forces shot down the Russian plane, resulting in a significant escalation of the conflict.

To note, the STARStreak system was created by Thales. So far, Ukraine has praised Britain's contribution of thousands of anti-tank missiles that have helped slow Russia's advance in Kyiv.