9K32M

The 9K32M Strela-2M is a Soviet man-portable air-defense system, often referred to by its NATO reporting name SA-7 Grail. It is a shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile designed to engage low-flying aircraft, particularly helicopters and slow-moving tactical jets. The Strela-2M is the second generation of the Strela-2 system, improving upon its predecessor with enhanced seeker capabilities and a slightly longer range.

The system consists of a launch tube containing the missile and a firing mechanism. The operator aims the weapon by looking through a simple optical sight. Once a target is acquired and the missile is launched, it is guided by an infrared seeker that homes in on the heat emitted by the aircraft's engines. The missile is propelled by a solid-fuel rocket motor.

The Strela-2M has seen widespread use by Soviet-aligned forces and has been exported to numerous countries. It has been employed in various conflicts around the world. While effective against early generations of combat aircraft, its capabilities are limited against modern aircraft equipped with countermeasures such as flares and advanced electronic warfare systems. Its simplicity of operation and relatively low cost have contributed to its enduring presence in many military arsenals. The system is a precursor to later generations of man-portable air-defense systems developed by Russia and other nations.