Romania has completed a major 625-million-euro ($724 million) agreement to purchase French-made Mistral very short-range air defense systems, marking a significant step in upgrading the country’s military protection against emerging aerial threats. The comprehensive package includes 231 man-portable launchers, 934 operational missiles, ammunition, training, documentation, a simulator, and full logistics support.
The newly acquired systems will enhance the defensive capabilities of Romania’s Army, Air Force, Navy, and Special Operations Forces. Approved in June 2022, the procurement is part of the EU’s Security Action for Europe initiative, which supports joint defense purchases to strengthen the European defense industry and improve interoperability among partner nations.
MBDA’s Mistral missile is a versatile, fire-and-forget weapon deployed across various platforms to safeguard troops, vehicles, and strategic sites from aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles, and hostile naval assets. The newest configuration, the Mistral 3, extends engagement ranges up to 8,000 meters with the ability to strike targets flying as high as 6,000 meters.
Capable of supersonic speeds and exceptional maneuverability, the Mistral 3 has shown strong performance in recent tests, including successful engagements against surface ships and low-signature drones. The system provides Romania with a modern, flexible solution to counter an expanding spectrum of airborne threats.
