Romania Signs Missile Deal with France

Romania has finalized a contract with France for the procurement of Mistral 3 air defense missile systems, of the MANPAD type, manufactured by MBDA.

Contract Details

The contract’s value is around 625 million euros and includes the purchase of approximately 230 launchers and over 900 missiles.

MBDA will also provide Romanian defense with personnel training, training systems, technical documentation, a simulator, and technical-logistical support.

International Collaboration on Mistral 3

The government of Bucharest has decided to join the international program for the joint procurement of the short-range Mistral 3 anti-aircraft missile, led by France and also featuring Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, and Hungary.

Features of Mistral 3

Mistral 3 is an anti-aircraft defense missile manufactured by MBDA; it is equipped with an infrared image-seeking sensor and has advanced image processing capabilities.

The missile can engage targets with low heat signatures, such as drones, turbojet missiles, and is also effective against fast attack vessels from great distances. The Mistral 3 also offers excellent resistance to countermeasures.

Mistral 3 distinguishes itself from previous versions by having a more capable search seeker, an increased operating range, and the ability to be used against a variety of targets, unlike combat vehicles.

The missile weighs just under 20 kg, has a length of 1.86 m, a diameter of 90 mm, and travels at more than Mach 2.5 with a maximum range around 8 km.

Source: Romanian Ministry of Defense

Photo credit @État-Major des Armées