Romania has taken a significant step to enhance its air defense capabilities by acquiring 300 advanced Mistral 3 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) from the French defense company MBDA. This strategic purchase, valued at approximately €662 million, is part of Romania’s broader military modernization efforts to strengthen its position within NATO and counter evolving regional threats. Announced in July 2025, the deal includes over 1,000 Mistral 3 missiles and associated equipment, positioning Romania as a key player in European air defense.
The Mistral 3 is a cutting-edge, fire-and-forget missile system designed to neutralize a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles. With an interception range of up to 8 kilometers and an altitude ceiling of 6,000 meters, the system boasts a remarkable single-shot kill probability exceeding 96%. Its advanced infrared seeker, equipped with high-resolution image processing, ensures precision even in challenging environments, such as electronic warfare conditions or against low-thermal-signature targets like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Weighing just 20 kilograms, including the launcher, the Mistral 3 is highly portable and can be operated by a two-person team—a gunner and a commander—or even a single soldier in simpler tactical scenarios. Its high-supersonic speed of 930 meters per second and maneuverability of up to 30g make it exceptionally effective against fast-moving, evasive targets.
This acquisition aligns with Romania’s ongoing commitment to modernizing its armed forces, particularly in response to heightened regional security concerns in Eastern Europe. The Romanian Ministry of Defense has prioritized strengthening its air defense network to protect critical infrastructure and airspace from sophisticated threats, including ballistic and cruise missiles. The Mistral 3 systems will complement Romania’s existing arsenal, which includes U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems, with four units already delivered by 2023 and plans for three more in the near future. The addition of the Mistral 3 enhances Romania’s very short-range air defense (VSHORAD) capabilities, providing a flexible and mobile solution for rapid deployment in diverse operational environments, from urban settings to rugged terrains.
The contract, signed under the European Union’s European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIRPA), reflects a collaborative effort to bolster Europe’s defense industry while addressing Romania’s security needs. The Mistral 3 systems are expected to be delivered starting in 2024, with the full order completed over several years. This deal not only strengthens Romania’s defense posture but also deepens its strategic partnership with France, building on previous collaborations such as the acquisition of French-made Rafale fighter jets by other NATO allies like Croatia. The Mistral 3’s proven combat effectiveness, demonstrated in various global theaters, makes it a reliable choice for Romania’s armed forces, which operate in diverse conditions ranging from arid deserts to frigid arctic environments.
Romania’s investment in the Mistral 3 is part of a larger €14 billion military modernization plan, which includes acquiring F-35A fighters, additional air-to-air missiles like the AIM-9X and AIM-120, and precision-guided munitions. This comprehensive approach underscores Romania’s commitment to NATO’s collective defense framework, particularly as a key ally on the alliance’s eastern flank. The Mistral 3’s versatility, allowing deployment from man-portable launchers, vehicles, ships, or helicopters, ensures Romania can adapt to a wide range of threats, including drone swarms and low-altitude incursions, which have become increasingly prevalent in modern warfare.
The acquisition has garnered attention across defense circles, with posts on X highlighting Romania’s proactive steps to enhance its air defense capabilities. The deal is seen as a strategic move to counter regional instabilities, particularly in light of recent Russian airstrikes in Ukraine, which have underscored the importance of robust air defense systems. By integrating the Mistral 3 into its forces, Romania is not only fortifying its own defenses but also contributing to NATO’s broader security objectives, ensuring a stronger, more resilient Eastern Europe.
