Mistral missile
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Mistral is an infrared homing surface-to-air missile manufactured by the European multinational company MBDA missile systems (formerly by Matra BAe Dynamics). Based on the French SATCP (Sol-Air À Très Courte Portée), the portable missile later to become the Mistral began development in 1974. It was initially deployed in 1988.
Weapon platforms
The basic Mistral missile is used with a man-portable launch unit. There are also launch units that allow the missile to be fired from armoured vehicles, ships or helicopters (such as the Aérospatiale Gazelle, Denel Rooivalk, or Eurocopter Tiger).
The two-missile unit installed on ships is called Simbad. The six-missile version is the Sadral. The newly-launched four-missile version is called Tetral.
Inventory
Mistral entered series production in 1989 and is now deployed by 37 armed forces of 25 countries (8 countries in Europe, 8 in the Asia-Pacific, four in South America, 3 in the Middle East), including Finland, South Korea, France, Hungary, Pakistan, Oman, Singapore, New Zealand and South Africa. Over 16,000 missiles have been sold/ordered.
Combat performance
The Mistral's operational use encompasses the firing of more than 2000 missiles, with a success rate of over 92%.
External links
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