Romania has signed a 625-million-euro ($724 million) contract with France to procure Mistral very short-range air defense systems, expanding its national air defense network across all military branches. The acquisition includes 231 Mistral man-portable launchers, 934 missiles, extensive training programs, documentation, a simulator, ammunition, and full logistical support to ensure long-term operational readiness.
The systems will be deployed across Romania’s Land, Air, and Naval Forces, as well as its Special Operations Forces, significantly strengthening protection against modern aerial threats. The deal was approved by Parliament in June 2022 under the Security Action for Europe initiative—an EU program aimed at boosting the European defense industrial base through collaborative procurement.
Developed by MBDA, the Mistral family is a fire-and-forget, multi-platform missile system designed to defend ground units, strategic infrastructure, and military assets from aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and small naval threats. Its modern variant, the Mistral 3, provides an interception range of up to 8,000 meters and can engage targets flying at altitudes as high as 6,000 meters.
The Mistral 3 features high maneuverability and supersonic performance, enabling it to counter agile and low-observable targets. Recent trials have demonstrated its capability against surface vessels and stealthy unmanned aerial systems, reinforcing its value as a key component of Romania’s air defense modernization roadmap.
