page_title: Rapier (missile)
section_title: Operators
hierarchical_section_title: Rapier (missile) / Operators
caption_attribution_description: English: Towed Rapier SAM system 한국어: 견인 레이피어 지대공 미사일 시스템
context_page_description: Rapier is a surface-to-air missile developed for the British Army to replace their towed Bofors 40/L70 anti-aircraft guns. The system is unusual as it uses a manual optical guidance system, sending guidance commands to the missile in flight over a radio link. This results in a high level of accuracy, therefore a large warhead is not required.
  Entering service in 1972, it eventually replaced all other anti-aircraft weapons in Army service; both the Bofors guns used against low-altitude targets and the Thunderbird missile used against longer-range and higher-altitude targets. As the expected air threat moved from medium-altitude strategic missions to low-altitude strikes, the fast reaction time and high maneuverability of the Rapier made it more effective than either of these weapons, replacing most of them by 1977.
  Rapier was later selected by the RAF Regiment to replace their Bofors guns and Tigercat missiles. It also saw international sales. It remains one of the UK's primary air-defence weapons, and its deployment is expected to continue until 2020.
context_section_description:  Iran
  Islamic Republic of Iran Army
   Kenya
  Kenyan Air Force
   Malaysia
  Malaysian Army – 15 launchers
   Oman
  Royal Air Force of Oman
    Switzerland
  Swiss Air Force
   Turkey
  Turkish Air Force – 86 launchers, modernized in Turkey. To be replaced by HISAR-A
   in year 2021.
   United Arab Emirates
  United Arab Emirates Army
   United Kingdom
  British Army – 124 launchers, serve with Royal Artillery
   Zambia
  Zambian Air Force
caption: A Republic of Singapore Air Force Rapier SAM system
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