Crotale vs S-300PMU
The Crotale and the S-300PMU are both Surface-to-Air missiles. The S-300PMU has a range of 150 km — 10:1 the Crotale's 15 km. The Crotale reaches 4,284 km/h vs 11,185 km/h for the S-300PMU. The Crotale carries a 13 kg warhead vs 145 kg for the S-300PMU. Launch weight is 95 kg for the Crotale vs 1,800 kg for the S-300PMU. The Crotale uses Radar et infrarouge guidance, while the S-300PMU relies on Active Radar Homing. The Crotale has been produced in 6,600 units vs 28,000 for the S-300PMU. The Crotale entered service 7 years before the S-300PMU (1971 vs 1978).
| French surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1971, uses radar and infrared guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Radar-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Thales |
| Service year | 1971 |
| Number produced | 6,600 units |
| Estimated unit price | $12 million |
| Russian surface-to-air missile, entering service in 1978, uses active radar homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | High altitude radar-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | MZiK |
| Service year | 1978 |
| Number produced | 28,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | NA |
| Range | 15.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.5 ◉ |
| Weight | 95 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 13.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.34 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 160 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Radar et infrarouge |
| Warhead type | Préfragmentée à gerbe focalisée |
| Range | 150.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 9.1 ◉ |
| Weight | 1,800 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 145.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 7.50 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 450 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Active Radar Homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Crotale or S-300PMU?
The S-300PMU has a longer range at 150 km compared to the Crotale's 15 km.
Which is faster, the Crotale or S-300PMU?
The S-300PMU is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 9.1 compared to the Crotale's Mach 3.5.
Which has a larger warhead, the Crotale or S-300PMU?
The S-300PMU carries a larger warhead at 145 kg compared to the Crotale's 13 kg.
Which is heavier, the Crotale or S-300PMU?
The S-300PMU is heavier at 1,800 kg compared to the Crotale's 95 kg.
Which is longer, the Crotale or S-300PMU?
The S-300PMU is longer at 7.50 meters compared to the Crotale's 2.34 meters.
What guidance systems do the Crotale and S-300PMU use?
The Crotale uses Radar et infrarouge guidance while the S-300PMU uses Active Radar Homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the Crotale or S-300PMU?
The Crotale entered service first in 1971, 7 years before the S-300PMU which entered service in 1978.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Crotale or S-300PMU?
The S-300PMU has been produced in greater numbers with 28,000 units compared to 6,600 units of the Crotale.