Air Defense
9K35 Strela-10
The 9K35 Strela-10 is a Soviet short-range self-propelled air defence system, known to NATO as the SA-13 Gopher, in service since 1976. Built on the MT-LB tracked chassis, it carries four infrared-guided missiles with a range of up to 5 km.
Russia|Almaz / KBMOverview
The Strela-10 was introduced in 1976 to replace the 9K31 Strela-1 (SA-9) and uses the amphibious MT-LB tracked chassis. It carries four ready-to-fire 9M37-series missiles with passive infrared and photocontrast guidance, an optical sight and a radar range-finder. Range is 0.8 to 5 km and altitude 25 to 3,500 m. The vehicle weighs about 12.3 tonnes, carries a crew of three and reaches 60 km/h on roads.
The Strela-10M2 improved ECM resistance in the 1980s, the Strela-10M3 of 1989 introduced the 9M333 missile with a better seeker, and the Strela-10M4 of 1999 added a thermal imager and radar. Operators include Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Syria, Libya, Iraq, Yemen, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, India and Cuba. It has served in the Iran-Iraq War, Angola, Chechnya, Syria, the Donbas and the war in Ukraine. Export prices are estimated at about 3 million US dollars.
Key Specifications
Variants
The Strela-10 is the original 1976 version with four infrared missiles on an MT-LB chassis.
The Strela-10M3 is the 1989 improvement using the 9M333 missile with an upgraded seeker.
The Strela-10M4 is the modernised 1999 version with a thermal imager and radar.
Operators
Russia
Ukraine
Belarus
Kazakhstan
Syria
Libya
Iraq
Yemen
Georgia
Azerbaijan
Armenia
India
Cuba
Vietnam
North Korea
Angola
Ethiopia
Myanmar (Burma)Frequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the Strela-10?
The Strela-10 has a range of 0.8 to 5 km and an altitude ceiling of 3,500 m. Its missile flies at about Mach 1.5.
Is the Strela-10 the same as the SA-13 Gopher?
Yes, SA-13 Gopher is the NATO name for the 9K35 Strela-10. It entered service in 1976.
How many missiles does the Strela-10 carry?
The Strela-10 carries four ready-to-fire missiles on its MT-LB tracked vehicle. The missiles use passive infrared and photocontrast guidance.
Which countries use the Strela-10?
The Strela-10 is used by Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Syria, Libya, Iraq, Yemen, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and India, among others.
Is the Strela-10 used in Ukraine?
Yes, both Russia and Ukraine use the Strela-10 in the 2022 war as mobile short-range air cover. It is mainly employed against aircraft, helicopters and drones.
How much does a Strela-10 cost?
A Strela-10 is estimated to cost about 3 million US dollars in export deals. That is low compared with radar-guided SAM systems.