Ukrainian forces use Mistral anti-aircraft systems to destroy Shahed drones – video

Ukrainian soldiers from the 39th Separate Coastal Defence Brigade's anti-aircraft missile battalion are using Mistral anti-aircraft missile systems to destroy Shahed-type drones, according to a video posted by Defence Forces of Ukraine's South.

Source: Defence Forces of Ukraine's South

Quote: "Ukrainian defenders are demonstrating the high effectiveness of the Mistral air defence system on the front. Although these systems are designed to destroy aircraft (warplanes and helicopters), they have also proved effective in downing Russian Shahed attack drones."

Details: The exact date the footage was recorded has not been disclosed, but the military noted that during one shift, the soldiers managed to destroy three Russian loitering munitions. The event took place in Kherson Oblast, according to the 39th Separate Coastal Defence Brigade's page.

For reference: The Mistral surface-to-air missile system is a French development. It was adopted by the French Army in 1987. In 2000, a modernised version called Mistral 2 was introduced.

Mistral is available in a man-portable configuration as well as for use on launch platforms mounted on vehicles, ships and helicopters. Its operational range is up to six kilometres.

Background: Earlier, during a visit to Denmark, a Ukrainian delegation conducted a demonstration exercise on countering attack drones. Ukrainian specialised personnel launched a Sting interceptor drone that successfully destroyed its target, a Danish Banshee drone simulating a threat.

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