Back in 1974, the "Tracked Rapier" was finally developed as a means to improve upon the mobility of the relatively stationary towed Rapier systems. This involved modifications to the M548 tracked carrier (based in the American M113 APC) and the units incorporated both the missiles and launch component into a much more mobile carrier to better served mechanized forces. The Blindifre radar portion was carried on an accompanying carrier or utilized in its original towed form. The vehicle now allowed for better tactical flexibility as well as rapid response times when dealing with emerging, inbound aerial threats. The Tracked Rapier emerged in 1974 and was brought online with the British Army in 1982. In time, the towed Rapier forms were given up in favor of the "Starstreak" missile-equipped Alvis "Stormer" tracked combat vehicle (detailed elsewhere on this site).
Over the course of its decades-long service life, the Rapier components were upgraded for the better, providing improved capabilities to a changing battlefield that now involved cruise missiles and, ultimately, drones. Additionally, an anti-vehicle capability was built into the missile and the variant family line now included the Mk.1 (anti-aircraft), the Mk. 2A (improved anti-aircraft), and the Mk.2B (anti-vehicle).
First combat actions involving British forces and the Rapier air defense system occurred during the 1982 Falklands War with Argentina. British elements were responding to an Argentine invasion of the neighboring island chain and Argentine air power was of critical concern to both land- and sea-based British forces. The Rapier proved itself to the British Army and RAF - claiming over a dozen kills (though the total has been argued as being much lower).
Since then, the Rapier has been in service with the aforementioned Iranians (Army and Air Force) as well as Kenya (Air Force), Libya, Indonesia (Army), Singapore (Air Force), Turkey (Air Force), Switzerland (Air Force), and the United Arab Emirates (Army). It remains in British Army service as part of its Royal Artillery. Over 25,000 missiles have entered circulation along with 600 launcher units and 350 radar systems.
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