9K34 Strela-3 vs S-125

Overview

The 9K34 Strela-3 and the S-125 are both Surface-to-Air missiles.

The S-125 has a range of 22 km — 4.9x the 9K34 Strela-3's 4 km. The 9K34 Strela-3 reaches 2,160 km/h vs 4,322 km/h for the S-125. The 9K34 Strela-3 carries a 1 kg warhead vs 60 kg for the S-125. Launch weight is 10 kg for the 9K34 Strela-3 vs 950 kg for the S-125. The 9K34 Strela-3 uses Infra-red homing guidance, while the S-125 relies on RF CLOS.

The S-125 entered service 13 years before the 9K34 Strela-3 (1961 vs 1974).

Soviet portable surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1974, guided by infrared homing.
Origin 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Surface-to-Air
Type Portable infrared surface-to-air missile
Manufacturer KBM
Service year 1974
Number produced -- units
Estimated unit price NA
Soviet surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1961, with a warhead weighing 60 kg.
Origin 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Surface-to-Air
Type Radar-guided surface-to-air missile
Manufacturer JSC Defense Systems
Service year 1961
Number produced -- units
Estimated unit price NA
Range 4.5 km
Maximum speed Mach 1.8
Weight 10 kg
Warhead 1.0 kg
Length 1.40 m
Diameter 75 mm
Guidance Infra-red homing
Warhead type High Explosive
Range 22.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 3.5
Weight 950 kg
Warhead 60.0 kg
Length 6.70 m
Diameter 460 mm
Guidance RF CLOS
Warhead type High Explosive

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the 9K34 Strela-3 or S-125?
The S-125 has a longer range at 22 km compared to the 9K34 Strela-3's 4 km.
Which is faster, the 9K34 Strela-3 or S-125?
The S-125 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.5 compared to the 9K34 Strela-3's Mach 1.8.
Which has a larger warhead, the 9K34 Strela-3 or S-125?
The S-125 carries a larger warhead at 60 kg compared to the 9K34 Strela-3's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the 9K34 Strela-3 or S-125?
The S-125 is heavier at 950 kg compared to the 9K34 Strela-3's 10 kg.
Which is longer, the 9K34 Strela-3 or S-125?
The S-125 is longer at 6.70 meters compared to the 9K34 Strela-3's 1.40 meters.
What guidance systems do the 9K34 Strela-3 and S-125 use?
The 9K34 Strela-3 uses Infra-red homing guidance while the S-125 uses RF CLOS guidance.
Which entered service first, the 9K34 Strela-3 or S-125?
The S-125 entered service first in 1961, 13 years before the 9K34 Strela-3 which entered service in 1974.