Missile 9K31 Strela-1 (SA-9 Gaskin)

The 9K31 Strela-1 originated in the Soviet Union during the 1960s. Developed concurrently with the 9K32M Strela-2, the system was transitioned from a man-portable concept to a vehicle-mounted platform to provide regimental-level air defense in coordination with self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. This change in role allowed for a larger seeker and a heavier warhead compared to contemporary man-portable systems. The 9M31 missile entered service in 1968, followed by the 9M31M variant in 1970.

The system is based on a modified BRDM-2 amphibious chassis featuring a turret with four ready-to-fire missiles. The vehicle utilizes an overpressure NBC protection system and infrared vision for the crew. Guidance is achieved via an uncooled lead sulfide seeker using optical photocontrast homing. This tracking method detects the contrast between a target and the background sky or cloud cover, allowing for engagements from the front aspect. The missile is propelled by a single-stage solid-fuel rocket motor and uses tailfin rollerons for roll stabilization. The fragmentation-high explosive warhead employs contact and magnetic fuzes, with an optical proximity sensor acting as a back-up. A safety mechanism disarms the warhead if the seeker fails to detect a target within a set flight duration.

Deployment typically involves platoons of four vehicles within motor rifle or tank regiments. These platoons often include one vehicle fitted with a passive radar detection system to monitor aircraft radio emissions and assist in target acquisition. The 9K31 has been widely exported and remains in the inventory of several countries, including India, Algeria, Angola, and Cuba. Romania produced a local version designated as the CA-95.

Combat use is recorded in the Arab-Israeli wars, the Western Sahara War, the South African Border War, and the Iran-Iraq War. The system was also deployed during the Gulf War, the Yugoslav wars, and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. More recently, the system has seen service in the Syrian Civil War and the Yemeni Civil War. In Russian service, the 9K31 was succeeded by the 9K35 Strela-10.

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