Norway has sent to the Ukrainian Armed Forces about a hundred Mistral anti-aircraft missile systems, which allow it to shoot down aircraft and helicopters flying at low altitudes. The Norwegian Ministry of Defense announced the transfer of weapons.
"Conflict in Ukraine could be protracted, and the country depends on international support to counter russian aggression. Therefore, the government has decided to send the Mistral air defense system to Ukraine," said Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
According to him, the Mistral MPADS has been withdrawn from the Norwegian Armed Forces, but it is "an effective weapon used in the Navy and will be very useful for Ukraine."
Mistral is MANPADS with infrared passive homing head to impress helicopters and aircraft at low altitudes.
The maximum speed is 800 m / s, firing range – is 500-6000 m. The length of the missile is about 1.9 m, its diameter is 90 mm, and its weight is almost 19 kg (warhead - 3 kg). Defeat - 1800 balls of tungsten alloy. The weight of the launcher is 24 kg. ‘Mistral’ was developed in France by MBDAcompany, and in 1987 it was adopted in France. ‘Mistral 2’ was adopted in 2000.
Earlier, the Norwegian government decided to transfer a total of 4,000 anti-tank missiles and several types of defense and other military equipment.
Yesterday it became known that Ukraine received planes and spare parts for them from other countries. Britain and the United States have also reaffirmed their intention to provide Ukraine with more artillery.