Mistral vs S-300PMU
The Mistral and the S-300PMU are both Surface-to-Air missiles. The S-300PMU has a range of 150 km — 25:1 the Mistral's 6 km. The Mistral reaches 3,348 km/h vs 11,185 km/h for the S-300PMU. The Mistral carries a 3 kg warhead vs 145 kg for the S-300PMU. Launch weight is 18 kg for the Mistral vs 1,800 kg for the S-300PMU. The Mistral uses Infrared homing guidance, while the S-300PMU relies on Active Radar Homing. The S-300PMU entered service 12 years before the Mistral (1978 vs 1990).
| French surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1990, uses infrared homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Portable optical-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Matra |
| Service year | 1990 |
| Number produced | -- units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.6 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 | 6.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.7 ◉ |
| Weight | 18 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 3.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 1.80 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 90 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Infrared homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
| 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 Mistral or S-300PMU?
The S-300PMU has a longer range at 150 km compared to the Mistral's 6 km.
Which is faster, the Mistral or S-300PMU?
The S-300PMU is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 9.1 compared to the Mistral's Mach 2.7.
Which has a larger warhead, the Mistral or S-300PMU?
The S-300PMU carries a larger warhead at 145 kg compared to the Mistral's 3 kg.
Which is heavier, the Mistral or S-300PMU?
The S-300PMU is heavier at 1,800 kg compared to the Mistral's 18 kg.
Which is longer, the Mistral or S-300PMU?
The S-300PMU is longer at 7.50 meters compared to the Mistral's 1.80 meters.
What guidance systems do the Mistral and S-300PMU use?
The Mistral uses Infrared homing guidance while the S-300PMU uses Active Radar Homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the Mistral or S-300PMU?
The S-300PMU entered service first in 1978, 12 years before the Mistral which entered service in 1990.