9M311Strela10

The 9M311 Strela-10 is a Soviet/Russian short-range surface-to-air missile system. It is a wheeled, self-propelled, low-altitude air defense weapon designed to engage low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles. The Strela-10 is a derivative of the earlier Strela-1 system, incorporating improvements in guidance, range, and warhead effectiveness.

The system typically consists of a tracked or wheeled vehicle mounting a launcher with four ready-to-fire missiles. The missiles themselves are infrared-guided, meaning they home in on the heat signature of their target. This guidance system allows for "fire-and-forget" capability, where the operator can engage a target and immediately move to a new position.

The Strela-10 has a maximum engagement range of approximately 5,000 meters and an altitude ceiling of around 3,500 meters. Its warhead is designed to detonate near the target, creating a blast and fragmentation effect. The system is operated by a small crew, usually two to three personnel, and can be deployed rapidly.

It has seen service with numerous countries around the world and has been a significant component of many air defense inventories. While newer systems have been developed, the Strela-10 remains a capable and widely used low-altitude air defense system. Its relatively simple design and robust nature have contributed to its longevity and widespread deployment.