Ukraine receives Mistral air defense systems from Estonia

Ukraine received Estonian short-range air defense missile systems with a stock of interceptor missiles. These are Mistral systems.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the post of the Estonian Ministry of Defense on the social network X.

"Mistral short-range air defense systems and missiles provided by Estonia have been delivered to Ukraine. Let's continue to support Ukrainian freedom fighters. Together, we can stop Russian aggression," the statement reads.

These are portable anti-aircraft missile systems made in France. It is known that Ukraine has been using them since 2022.

Mistral is available both in a portable version (man-portable air defense system) and for use on launch platforms for vehicles, ships, and helicopters.

The Mistral air defense system is capable of engaging air targets within 6 seconds and within a radius of 4 km.

It takes about a minute to bring the system into a combat position. The reloading time is 30 seconds, and the time from trigger to launch is up to 5 seconds. The missile's homing head is capable of capturing and tracking targets such as airplanes at ranges of more than 6 km and helicopters at ranges of more than 4 km (even on opposite courses).

The missile guidance error is only 1 meter. Detonation of a 3 kg high-explosive warhead containing several dozen tungsten balls at this distance from the target results in a guaranteed hit on the object.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 07/07/2024