Mistral missile Country France Type Manportable surface-to-air missile Manufacturer MBDA Introduction 1988 Specifications Length 1.86 m Diameter 90 mm Crew 1 Effective range 5.3 km (effective against helicopters at up to 4 km) Warhead High Explosive Warhead weight 2.95 kg Detonation mechanism Laser proximity or impact triggered Engine Solid Rocket Motor Speed 800 m/s, approx. Mach 2.6 (high supersonic) Guidance system Infrared homing

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.

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.

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, 4 in South America, 3 in the Middle East), including Austria, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Indonesia, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, South Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Spain and Venezuela.

Over 16,000 missiles have been sold/ordered. Recently, industrial sources said the Royal Thai Navy has placed an order on several units of Sadral/Mistral air defence systems. The systems are to be equipped on the Navy’s two Naresuan class frigates and two newly built Pattani class OPVs (Offshore Patrol Vessel). Estonia has also bought the missile, deliveries are set to begin in 2008.