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BRITAIN is planning to send Ukraine the fastest surface-to-air missiles in the world.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told MPs last night the Starstreak high-velocity portable missiles will be handed over to help shoot down Russian military aircraft.

Britain is planning to send Ukraine the fastest surface-to-air missiles in the world
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Britain is planning to send Ukraine the fastest surface-to-air missiles in the world
The Starstreak high-velocity portable missiles travel at over three times the speed of sound
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The Starstreak high-velocity portable missiles travel at over three times the speed of sound

Travelling at over three times the speed of sound, each one splits into three darts to puncture armour before warheads detonate.

The Belfast-made missiles can be shoulder-mounted or attached to a vehicle.

Mr Wallace said: “This system will remain within the definition of defensive weapons but will allow the Ukrainian forces to better defend their skies.”

He also confirmed 3,615 NLAW anti-tank weapons have been given to the Ukrainians.

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They have been used with devastating effect during the war so far.

Mr Wallace also said "small consignments" of Javelin anti-tank missiles would be supplied to Ukraine.

These longer-range missile can strike targets up to 2.5km away.

The Defence Secretary said on Wednesday: "Few of us would not have been moved by President Zelensky's speech yesterday."

Russian forces destroyed a maternity hospital on Wednesday
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Russian forces destroyed a maternity hospital on WednesdayCredit: AP

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