9K32 Strela-2
Country of origin
Soviet Union
ManufacturerKBM, Degtyarev plant, Cugir Arms Factory, Kyiv Arsenal
The 9K32 Strela-2 (Russian: Cтрела, lit. 'Arrow'; NATO reporting name SA-7 Grail) is a light-weight, shoulder-launched, surface-to-air missile or MANPADS system. It is designed to target aircraft at low altitudes with passive infrared-homing guidance and destroy them with a high-explosive warhead.
Broadly comparable in performance with the US Army FIM-43 Redeye, the Strela-2 was the first Soviet man-portable SAM; full-scale production began in 1970. While the Redeye and 9K32 Strela-2 were similar, the missiles were not identical.
The Strela-2 was a staple of the Cold War and was produced in huge numbers for the Soviet Union and their allies, as well as guerillas. Though since surpassed by more modern systems, the Strela and its variants remain in service in many countries, and have seen use in nearly every regional conflict since 1972.
Broadly comparable in performance with the US Army FIM-43 Redeye, the Strela-2 was the first Soviet man-portable SAM; full-scale production began in 1970. While the Redeye and 9K32 Strela-2 were similar, the missiles were not identical.
The Strela-2 was a staple of the Cold War and was produced in huge numbers for the Soviet Union and their allies, as well as guerillas. Though since surpassed by more modern systems, the Strela and its variants remain in service in many countries, and have seen use in nearly every regional conflict since 1972.
