UK SHORAD progresses with Thales contract

The UK’s programme to replace its Stormer mounted short-range air defence (SHORAD) system has progressed with a contract to Thales. Replacing this capability is about much more than drones, and is a big gap in the UK’s armoured force.

By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on March 17, 2026. 

Thales has received a contract to enhance work already under way within the Mounted SHORAD programme. According to a March 11 press release, the contract “supports the next phase of development for future MSHORAD capabilities.” It adds that the Stormer fleet is scheduled to be replaced by the end of 2028. 

The contract was placed by Defence Equipment and Support, and will also support the UK’s air defence modernisation. This includes: 

• Replacement of the Stormer vehicles. 
• A new counter-UAS platform, likely armed with a cannon.
• A new command and control system to support them all. 
• And hopefully continued procurement of the Sky Sabre air defence system. 

The Thales contract will be supporting the development of Starstreak and LMM for the SHORAD requirement. An interim purchase of VAMTAC 4x4s with the Thales RapidRanger turret is understood to have been made in 2024. However, that order was to replace Stormer vehicles donated to Ukraine, rather than the whole fleet. 

It is unclear exactly what Thales means by enhancing work already under way. It may relate to integration onto a new vehicle, like Boxer or the Patria CAVS that the UK is procuring. Either way, there is a lot riding on this procurement: Starstreak entered service to defend against pop-up helicopter threats and fixed wing attack aircraft. That threat is no less dangerous today. 

• IBCS for the UK? Northrop partners with Marshall Land Systems – Calibre Defence 
• IAV 2025: Moog and Supacat present RIwP and HMT combo for UK’s GBAD requirement – Calibre Defence 

Calibre comment: The Ka-52 in Ukraine

It seemed easy to write attack helicopters off because of Ukraine. With Russia suffering almost weekly losses at one point, it seemed as though helicopters were at the end of their useful lives. A lot of helicopters were lost, that is clear. Ukrainian forces had an unusual density of MANPADS, and Russia was reluctant to take steps to suppress other SHORAD. 

• Short range air defence, more critical now than ever 

However, during Ukraine’s counter-offensive and as Russia took steps to solidify the frontline from 2022 to 2023, attack helicopters proved deadly. Often armed with multiple anti-tank guided missiles with ranges between 6 and 14.5 km, a single Ka-52 can cause several vehicle casualties in a single flight. This makes them a very dangerous asset to the UK’s limited armoured forces, and one that needs specific counters. Yes, SHORAD can play many roles, including against drones, but in conventional war it is the defence of armoured forces that becomes a priority. 

The lead image shows a Stormer Air Defence vehicle from 12th Regiment The Royal Regiment of Artillery. Credit: AirTpr David Allen AAC/UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025.