Spain strengthens air defense capabilities with 522 Mistral 3 surface-to-air missiles.

The Spanish Ministry of Defense has secured a contract for the acquisition of 522 Mistral 3 Surface-to-Air Missiles. The contract, worth 324.6 million euros, marks a significant upgrade of the country's air defense capabilities. Spain. In addition to the missiles, the contract also includes the modernization of another hundred Mistral air defense missile systems. The agreement also includes training equipment and a comprehensive package of logistical and technical support.
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The Mistral 3 missile is the latest iteration of MBDA's Mistral series (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Mistral 3 missile is the latest iteration of MBDA's Mistral series. It boasts a claimed success rate of 96% in neutralizing aerial threats. The missile is designed to be effective against a variety of threats, including aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles. It features a "fire and forget" launch system and is resistant to countermeasures. The missile has a high probability of destroying its target on the first shot. It also has exceptional maneuverability and can reach supersonic speeds. The Mistral 3 has a lifespan of 20 years and does not require maintenance during this period. In terms of technical specifications, the missile has a length of 1.88 meters and weighs less than 20 kg, with a warhead weighing 3 kg. It has a diameter of approximately 92 mm and can reach speeds of 930 m/s. The missile has a range of 500 m to 8000 m and can intercept targets at altitudes up to 6000 m.

Under the contract, Spain aims to modernize around 100 of its existing Mistral air defense missile systems. The modernization is expected to improve the effectiveness of the launchers against a wide range of aerial threats. The agreement also includes the acquisition of training equipment and a comprehensive package of logistical and technical support. This ensures that Spanish forces will be well equipped and prepared for various eventualities.

The Mistral missile systems have attracted international interest. Several countries have announced plans for the joint purchase of these systems. In June, France, Belgium, Estonia, Hungary, and Cyprus revealed their intentions to acquire Mistral anti-aircraft missile systems. Romania also expressed interest in joining this project in September. Mistral systems are also deployed by the Ukrainian armed forces to fight against the Russian invasion.