Spain to deploy French Mistral 3 MANPADS in Slovakia.

According to the Spanish Newspaper Infodefensa, Spain will take command of NATO's multinational brigade in Slovakia positioning itself as a leading force in one of the alliance's key strategic locations. The Spanish contingent, made up of approximately 750 troops, will be equipped with advanced French Mistral 3 anti-aircraft missiles to provide anti-aircraft cover for the contingent.

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MBDA Mistral 3 Man-Portable Air-Defense System (Picture source: Spain MoD)

The Galicia Brigade (Brilat), which leads the first rotation, is already equipped with more than 250 ground vehicles, mainly Vamtac armored units in various configurations. A notable addition to the brigade's capabilities will be the deployment of the Mistral 3 advanced anti-aircraft missile systems. These systems have been in service with the Spanish Armed Forces since 2022 and represent the most sophisticated version of the missile to date.

The deployment marks an important step in NATO's air defense capabilities in the region. The Spanish Ministry of Defense had previously acquired the first batch of 91 Mistral 3 missiles from French military stocks, which were prepared by MBDA. At the end of 2023, an agreement was reached with the European missile manufacturer to purchase an additional batch of more than 500 missiles, which also includes updates to the firing positions. This expanded arsenal is expected to begin delivery in 2026.

In addition to anti-aircraft defenses, the Spanish Defense Ministry is evaluating the deployment of other assets in Slovakia, including Tiger attack helicopters and NH90 transport helicopters of the Army Air Mobile Forces (Famet).

The mission, labeled SVK JTF, began on January 20, 2024, with the phased deployment of personnel and capabilities. By June 30, Spain will officially lead a combat group permanently stationed in Lest, taking over from a unit led by the Czech Republic. Since April, almost the entire Spanish contingent has been stationed in Slovakia, alongside a significant portion of the resources allocated to this allied operation.

The effort will also see the participation of other nations, enhancing the battle group's deterrence and defense capabilities. Notably, Portuguese armored units will contribute with their Leopard tanks, alongside mechanized units from the Czech Republic, further strengthening the multinational nature of the force and its readiness to respond to regional threats.

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.

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.

The Mistral 3 missile, designed by MBDA, represents a very short-range air-to-ground missile (VSHORAD) technology advancement. This weapon system is distinguished by its "fire-and-forget" capability, meaning once launched, the missile automatically pursues its target without needing further guidance.

The Mistral 3 has been designed for a 20-year lifespan without needing maintenance, making it a cost-effective and reliable long-term weapon system. It is also qualified for use in extreme conditions, ranging from -40°C to +71°C, demonstrating its robustness and reliability in various operational environments.