Brazil eyes MBDA's Mistral 3 SHORAD Short-Range Air Defense System.

On April 18, 2024, the Spanish media outlet Infodefensa reported that the European defense company MBDA submitted a proposal for the Brazilian Marines’ tender for the Mistral 3 SHORAD system. This proposal was presented during FIDAE2024, highlighting MBDA's strategy to broaden its market presence in the region.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

MBDA Mistral 3 Short-Range Air Defense System  (Picture source: MBDA)

The Mistral MANPADS is a user-friendly, highly mobile VSHORAD (very short-range air defense) system, equipped with a Mistral missile launcher that can be positioned on a tripod, and deployed from ground locations, vehicles, or ships. This simple-to-operate launcher holds a single Mistral missile ready for launch.

Equipped with a comprehensive imaging seeker, the launcher exhibits strong resistance to IR (infrared) countermeasures and can target objects with low IR signatures. The system is characterized by a potent 3kg warhead and a laser proximity fuse, ensuring a high likelihood of target elimination.

In current deployment with the French military, the Mistral 3 missile is outfitted with an infrared imaging seeker and sophisticated image processing technologies, enabling engagement with low heat signature targets such as UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), turbojet missiles, and high-speed vessels at extended ranges. It is particularly resistant to countermeasures and has a maximum range of 7 km, traveling at a speed of 930 m/s.

Designed by MBDA, the Mistral 3 missile epitomizes the latest in VSHORAD advancements with its "fire-and-forget" technology, which allows it to autonomously track targets post-launch without further direction.

A notable feature of the Mistral 3 is its pioneering infrared (IR) matrix imager, which is immune to all existing IR countermeasures, enhancing its target detection and tracking capabilities, thus boosting its single-shot kill probability (SSKP) to above 96%.

The missile operates passively, independent of the launching mechanism, avoiding reliance on detectable or interruptible active guidance systems. Its agility allows it to pursue highly maneuverable targets, enduring up to 30g, targeting those capable of executing up to 9g maneuvers.

Capable of striking targets at distances up to 8,000 meters and altitudes of 6,000 meters, the Mistral 3 reaches supersonic speeds of 930 m/s, which facilitates rapid target interception. Its minimum effective range is 500 meters.

Armed with a 3 kg warhead, the missile utilizes a laser proximity and impact fuse for assured destruction. Propulsion is supplied by a two-stage solid propellant motor.

The Mistral 3, designed for a 20-year service life without maintenance requirements, offers a cost-efficient and dependable solution for long-term deployment. It is certified for use under extreme conditions, ranging from -40°C to +71°C, confirming its durability and adaptability in diverse operational scenarios.

The Mistral 3's compact, lightweight design, measuring 1.88 meters in length (including the launch motor) and weighing under 20 kg with a diameter of about 92 mm, makes it suitable for various ground-based air defense launch systems.