Romania boosts air defense capability with purchase of 300 Mistral 3 portable missile systems.

According to information published by the Defense Romania website, on July 17, 2025, the Romanian Ministry of National Defence has officially confirmed the acquisition of 300 Mistral 3 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) from European missile manufacturer MBDA. The contract, which also includes initial logistical support and comprehensive operator training, is valued at approximately €626 million. This procurement marks one of the most significant Romanian investments in short-range air defense capabilities and is part of a larger effort to reinforce NATO’s eastern air defense architecture.
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The Mistral 3 is a man-portable air defense missile system developed by MBDA, designed to engage low-flying aerial targets such as helicopters, jets, and drones with high accuracy using an advanced infrared imaging seeker. (Picture source: MBDA)

This acquisition is part of Romania’s broader strategic program to modernize its armed forces, with a strong focus on strengthening layered national air defense capabilities. In response to increasing aerial threats, especially from drones and low-altitude platforms, Romania has launched an ambitious modernization initiative that integrates short, medium, and long-range defense systems. In addition to the Mistral 3 VSHORAD systems, Romania has deployed Patriot PAC-3 missile batteries, continues to expand its radar coverage, and is actively exploring additional sensor-to-shooter integration to enable faster reaction and command coordination. The goal is to establish a mobile, interoperable air defense shield that meets NATO standards while remaining adaptable to asymmetric threat environments.

The Mistral 3 is the latest and most advanced version of the combat-proven Mistral missile family, developed by MBDA to offer enhanced target engagement performance against a wide variety of aerial threats. Unlike traditional infrared-guided missiles, the Mistral 3 features a dual-band imaging infrared seeker paired with an advanced proximity fuze and inertial navigation system, enabling the missile to engage targets with high accuracy even under severe countermeasure environments. It has a maximum range of 6.5 kilometers and can engage targets flying at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters. The missile is also capable of intercepting highly agile or fast-moving targets such as cruise missiles, loitering munitions, attack helicopters, or small UAVs.

The Mistral 3 missile is equipped with a 3-kilogram high-explosive warhead with multiple effect fragmentation, triggered by a laser proximity fuze to maximize damage on near-miss detonations. The system is designed for day and night operations and performs effectively in cluttered, low-visibility, and high-electronic-warfare environments. It can be deployed in stand-alone mode on lightweight tripods or integrated onto various platforms such as ATVs, 4x4 armored vehicles, or naval vessels, making it ideal for mobile air defense units operating in dispersed formations.

For Romania, the adoption of the Mistral 3 represents a major leap in very short-range air defense capabilities. By acquiring 300 units, the Romanian Armed Forces will be able to equip multiple army battalions and potentially air and naval units with highly mobile and responsive air defense cells. MBDA’s package also includes advanced simulators for operator training, technical documentation, and sustainment tools to ensure long-term system availability and local maintenance capability.

In addition to operational benefits, this acquisition strengthens Romania’s integration within the European defense industrial framework, as the Mistral 3 man-portable air defense missile system is in service with several EU and NATO nations. This commonality facilitates interoperability in joint operations and contributes to allied logistical support chains. As Romania accelerates its military modernization timeline, the deployment of the Mistral 3 will serve as a critical component of its forward-deployed air defense posture, capable of reacting swiftly to threats and protecting vital national assets in a rapidly evolving regional security landscape.