Estonia to Hand Over Mistral MANPADS to Ukraine

Estonia will hand over Mistral man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine to strengthen the country’s air defense.

The Estonian Ministry of Defense reported that missiles will be transferred along with the system.

The exact number of systems and missiles is not disclosed for security reasons.

When announcing the package, the ministry emphasized that Ukraine urgently needs air defense systems.

“We have formed the aid package in such a way that Ukraine will benefit from it as much as possible without harming the combat capability of the Estonian Defense Forces, and so that we can resume the necessary supplies as soon as possible,” the ministry stated.

The Mistral MANPADS is designed to engage low-flying helicopters, enemy aircraft and drones.

During development, the missile had the following requirements: a single missile for all modifications, independence from the launch method, and minimally required maintenance.

This MANPADS in various modifications is in service of the ground forces and fleets of 25 countries.

The MANPADS includes an air-tight transport and launch container, tripod for its sighting devices, “friend or foe” identification, and a power source.

Its short-range anti-aircraft guided missiles are equipped with an infrared homing head, which allows it to hit air targets with a thermal signature.

In Estonia, the systems are installed on off-road vehicles, which add mobility to the air defense forces.

In 2022, mobile teams with Mistral MANPADS were created in Ukraine and installed on off-road vehicles donated by volunteers.