Spain has earmarked $345 million to buy 522 of its most advanced Mistral 3 anti-aircraft missiles, which have a range of up to 8 kilometres and can reach speeds of 3,350 km/h

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has received government approval for the purchase of hundreds of Mistral 3 anti-aircraft missiles for the armed forces. After that the ministry will be able to sign a contract with MBDA.

Here's What We Know

The value of the contract will be approximately $ 345 million. The agreement provides for the purchase of 522 anti-aircraft missiles Mistral 3, related equipment and modernisation of anti-aircraft missile systems Mistral, which are in service with the Army, Navy and Air Force of Spain.

The upgrade of the air defence system will improve protection against unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles, helicopters and aircraft. In total, Spain intends to upgrade 100 air defence systems.

The Mistral 3 is the most advanced version of the anti-aircraft missile. MBDA claims it is capable of destroying 96 per cent of aerial threats. The interceptor is characterised by a high level of manoeuvrability and resistance to countermeasures.

The anti-aircraft missile is 1.88 metres long and weighs less than 20kg. The mass of the warhead is 3kg. The Mistral can reach speeds of up to 3,350 kilometres per hour and can intercept targets at altitudes of up to 6 kilometres. The range is from 500 metres to 8 km.

Source: Infodefensa