Philippines receives Mistral-3 short range surface-to-air missiles to arm frigates

 

A CGI of a Simbad-RC missile launcher firing a Mistral-3 short range surface-to-air missile. Photo c/o MBDA.

The Philippine Navy (PN) confirmed that it has received delivery of Mistral-3 short range surface-to-air missiles.

The missiles arrived at Subic Bay port on 08 October 2021, and will be used to arm the PN's 2 Jose Rizal-class frigates, both of which are armed with two MBDA Simbad-RC missile launchers.

The missiles, manufactured by MBDA, was acquired under a contract worth PHP639.3 million (US$12.6 million) under the PN's Frigate Lot 2B - Surface to Air Missile Project.

According to Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the PN is scheduled to formally accept the missiles from MBDA on 13 October 2021, after the PN's Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee has completed inspection and assessment of the goods delivered.

The Mistral-3 is the latest variant of the successful Mistral family of short range surface-to-air missiles. 

It can be used to defend against a variety of air threats including incoming anti-ship missiles, and low flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

It has also been tested and certified for use against fast moving surface targets like fast boats and unmanned surface vehicles. 

The Mistral-3 has a maximum effective range of  7 kilometers, and has a full imaging seeker providing high resistance to infra-red countermeasures, and the ability to engage low IR signature targets.

It has a 3-kilogram warhead with a laser proximity fuse.

The Simbad-RC - Mistral-3 combo will be the Jose Rizal-class' primary air defense system until the ships are installed with longer-ranged, vertical launching system-launched air defense system, which are designed for the frigates but will be acquired separately.

It will also complement a future close-in weapon system (CIWS), which is also programmed for acquisition in the near future.




[1] Philippine Defense Resource
[2] Philippine News Agency
[3] Jane's