France Belgium Cyprus Estonia and Hungary sign letter of Intent for joint acquisition of Mistral 3 ground-based air defense system.

In a significant move towards strengthening European defense capabilities, France, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, and Hungary have signed a letter of intent for the joint acquisition of the Mistral 3 ground-based air defense system. This landmark agreement, led by the French Ministry for the Armed Forces in collaboration with MBDA, indicate a willingness to enhance collective security.
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Firing of a Mistral 3 air defense missile (Picture source: MBDA)

French President Macron, during a conference at the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris on June 19, 2023, announced France's active support for the joint acquisition of MBDA’s Mistral 3 air defense system. This announcement was made on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show (Salon du Bourget), highlighting the importance of defense cooperation and technological advancements within the European defense industry.

The Mistral 3 ground-based air defense system, currently in service with the French armed forces, is a highly advanced missile system equipped with an infrared imaging seeker and advanced image processing capabilities. It possesses the capability to engage targets with low thermal signatures, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), turbojet-powered missiles, and fast attack craft, while demonstrating exceptional resistance to countermeasures. According to MBDA, it boasts a success rate of 95% against aerial targets.

This joint acquisition sets a precedent for future collaborative defense projects within the EU and exemplifies the shared commitment of member states to strengthen their defense capabilities in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges. The acquisition of the Mistral 3 system not only improves the defense capabilities of the participating nations but also contributes to the broader goal of reinforcing the European defense architecture and fostering technological advancement in the European defense industry.

The Mistral is equipped with a lightweight and portable launcher, making it highly versatile for various deployment scenarios. It can be effortlessly transported and operated from the ground, a vehicle, a building, or even a ship. Normally, MISTRAL MANPADS requires a gunner and a crew commander to operate effectively. However, in simpler tactical environments, a single soldier can handle its operation.

The launcher unit of the Mistral is designed with a robust imaging seeker that exhibits exceptional resistance to IR (Infra-Red) countermeasures. This seeker enables the missile to engage targets with low IR signatures, thanks to its advanced image processing capabilities. With a powerful 3kg warhead and a laser proximity fuse, the Mistral possesses an impressive kill probability.

The Mistral 3 missile, which is presently utilized by the French forces, serves as an air defense weapon. It is equipped with an infrared imaging seeker and cutting-edge image processing capabilities. These features allow the missile to engage targets with low thermal signatures, including UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), turbojet-powered missiles, and fast craft, even at long distances. Furthermore, it exhibits excellent resistance to countermeasures. The Mistral 3 missile boasts a maximum firing range of 7 km and achieves a flying speed of 930 m/s.

Defense News June 2023