View source for 9K34 Strela-3

{{for|the military satellite system|Strela (satellite)}}
{{Infobox weapon
|is_missile=yes
|name=9K34 Strela-3
|image=
SA-14 missile and launch tube.jpg
|image_size=250
|caption=A 9K34 Strela-3 (SA-14) missile and launch tube.
|origin=[[Soviet Union]]
|type=Man-portable air-defense systems ([[Man-portable air-defense systems|MANPADS]])
|used_by=See [[#Operators|Operators]]
|wars={{Plain list|
* [[Angolan Civil War]]
* [[South African Border War]]
* [[Iran–Iraq War]]
* [[Salvadoran Civil War]]
* [[War in Abkhazia (1992–1993)]]
* [[Yugoslav Wars]]
* [[Second Congo War]]
* [[War in Afghanistan (1978–present)|Afghan Civil War]]
* [[Iraq War]]
}}
|manufacturer=[[KB Mashinostroyeniya|KBM]], [[Kolomna]]
|unit_cost=
|propellant=
|production_date=
|service=1974–present
|engine=
|engine_power=
|weight= {{Plain list|
* Missile weight: {{convert|10.3|kg|lbs}}
* Full system: 16.0 kg (35.3 lb)
}}
|length={{convert|1.47|m|ft}}
|height=
|diameter=
|wingspan=
|speed={{convert|470|m/s|km/h+mph}}
|vehicle_range={{convert|4500|m|ft}}
|ceiling=
|altitude={{convert|1800|m|ft}} vs. jets <br>
{{convert|3000|m|ft}} vs. slow moving targets
|filling=
|guidance=
|detonation=
|launch_platform=
}}

The '''9K34 Strela-3''' ({{langx|ru|9К34 «Стрела-3»}}, 'arrow', [[NATO reporting name]]: '''SA-14 Gremlin''') is a man-portable air defense missile system ([[MANPADS]]) developed in the [[Soviet Union]] as a response to the poor performance of the earlier [[Strela 2|9K32 Strela-2 (SA-7 Grail)]] system. The [[missile]] was largely based on the earlier [[Strela 2]], and thus development proceeded rapidly. The new weapon was accepted into service in the [[Soviet Army]] in January 1974.

==Description==

The most significant change over the Strela 2 was the introduction of an all-new [[infra-red homing]] seeker head. The new seeker worked on [[Frequency modulation|FM]] modulation (con-scan) principle, which is less vulnerable to [[Jamming (physics)|jamming]] and decoy flares than the earlier AM (spin-scan) seekers, which were easily fooled by [[flare]]s and even the most primitive [[infrared]] [[Radar jamming and deception|jammers]]. The new seeker also introduced detector element cooling in the form of a [[Pressurized gas|pressurized]] [[nitrogen]] bottle attached to the launcher.
[[File:SA-14 components.jpg|thumb|Strela-3 (SA-14) components]]

The effect of cooling was to expand the seeker's lead sulfide detector element's sensitivity range to longer [[wavelength]]s (slightly over 4 [[μm]] as opposed to 2.8&nbsp;μm of uncooled PbS elements). In practice this made possible the tracking of cooler targets over longer ranges, and enabled forward-hemisphere engagement of jets under favourable circumstances. The seeker also had better tracking rate, enabling the missile to track maneuvering of fast and approaching targets.

A negative side effect from the aforementioned improvements was increased missile weight, which caused a slight decrease in the kinematic performance of the original Strela-2 (SA-7). {{Citation needed|date=December 2008}} Against relatively slow, low-altitude battlefield air threats the overall effectiveness was much improved.{{Citation needed|date=December 2008}}

Strela-3 missiles have been exported to over 30 countries.

The original Strela-3 missile was the 9M36. The follow-on to the Strela-3 was [[SA-18 Grouse|Igla]].

The naval version of this missile has the NATO reporting name of '''SA-N-8'''.

==Operational history==
{{unreferenced section|date=September 2012}}

===Iraq===
On 22 November 2003 an [[2003 Baghdad DHL attempted shootdown incident|Airbus A300 cargo plane]] was hit by a Strela-3 missile after takeoff from [[Baghdad International Airport]], but managed to land safely despite losing hydraulic power.

On 6 May 2006, a British [[Westland Lynx|Westland Lynx AH.7]] of the [[Royal Navy]] from 847 Squadron was shot down with a Strela-3 over Basra, killing five crewmen and crashing into a house.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aviationnewsreleases.com/2009/04/raf-pursues-common-das-demonstrator.html|title=RAF Pursues Common DAS Demonstrator}}</ref>

===Georgia===
During the [[War in Abkhazia (1992–1993)]], a Russian [[Mi-8]] helicopter was shot down by a [[Georgian Army]] SA-14 on December 14, 1992, resulting in the death of 3 crew and 58 passengers, most of them Russian refugees. A [[Georgian Air Force]] [[Su-25]] was shot down over Nizhnaya Eshera on 4 July 1993 by SA-14,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/PROJECT/YEAR_Pages/1993.htm |title=2005 |access-date=2013-04-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923235258/http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/PROJECT/YEAR_Pages/1993.htm |archive-date=2015-09-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and several other aircraft on both sides may have been shot down by SA-14s.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|last=Cooper|first=Tom|title=Georgia and Abkhazia, 1992-1993: the War of Datchas|url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_282.shtml|publisher=ACIG.org|access-date=18 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303054854/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_282.shtml|archive-date=3 March 2008|url-status=usurped|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Former Yugoslavia===
A British [[British Aerospace Sea Harrier|Sea Harrier FRS1]] of [[801 Naval Air Squadron]], operating from aircraft carrier {{HMS|Ark Royal|R07|6}} on 16 April 1994, was shot down during its attack on two [[Republika Srpska]] [[T-54/T-55|T-55]] tanks in [[Bosnia]]. The pilot, Lieutenant Nick Richardson, ejected and landed in territory controlled by friendly [[Bosnian Muslims]].

===DR Congo===
A [[Zimbabwe Air Force]] [[Il-76]] was shot down by Congolese rebels using an SA-14 on 11 October 1998 during the [[Second Congo War]], resulting in the death of 40 troops and crew.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cooper|first=Tom|title=Zaire/DR Congo, 1980-2001|url=http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=246&Itemid=47|publisher=ACIG.org|access-date=18 February 2013}}</ref>

===Afghanistan===
SA-14s used by the [[Northern Alliance]] are credited with having shot down 8 [[Taliban]] [[MiG-21]] and [[Su-22]] fighters during the Taliban's 2000 offensive against [[Taloqan]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Cooper|first=Tom|title=Afghanistan, 1979-2001; Part 2|url=http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=158&Itemid=47 |publisher=ACIG.org|access-date=18 February 2013}}</ref>

=== Turkey ===
A SA-14 (9K34 Strela-3) MANPADS was found during [[Operation Claw (2019-2020)]] in June 2019 in the Hakurk region of northern [[Iraq]] belonging to the [[PKK]].{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}

==Operators==
===Current===

* {{ANG}}{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=471}}
* {{AZE}}{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=180}}
* {{BIH}}{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=76}}
* {{CRO}}{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=80}}
* {{CUB}}{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=428}}
* {{GEO}}{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=185}}
* {{IRN}}{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=353}}
* {{JOR}}{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=364}}
* {{NIC}}{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=443}}
* {{PRK}}{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=284}}
* {{PER}}{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=447}}
* {{RUS}} − Used by Ground Forces and Airborne units.{{sfn|IISS|2024|pages=193,201}}
* {{SYR}}{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=386}}
* {{TKM}}{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=209}}
* {{UKR}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=26}}<ref>{{cite web | url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-16-22#h_72ac4792a659a378ff46049c66028f40 | title=Additional air defense systems are being sent to Ukraine, US official says | date=16 March 2022 }}</ref>

===Non-state===

* {{flag|Hezbollah}}<ref name="guid" />
* {{flaglist|Houthis}}{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=394}}
* {{flaglist|Islamic State}}{{sfn|IISS|2016|p=492}}
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Kurdistan Workers' Party.svg}} [[Kurdistan Workers' Party]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/ddsgf9876/status/1141339247888216066 |website=twitter.com |ref=37 |title=SA-14 (9K34 Strela-3) MANPADS was found today in Hakurk belonging to the PKK. Additionally, multiple caves, shelters, ammunition and IED's have been found and destroyed in the last couple of days.  |access-date=8 October 2019}}</ref>{{bsn|date=April 2024}}

===Former===

* {{ARM}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=25}}
* {{BLR}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=25}}
* {{BUL}} − Produced under license.{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=25}}
* {{CZS}}{{sfn|Cullen|Foss|1992|pages=41}}
* {{CZE}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=25}}
* {{GDR}} – Never acquired to military service.<ref name="samolotypolskie.pl">{{Cite web|url=http://www.samolotypolskie.pl/samoloty/2489/126/9K34-9M36-Strzala-3|title=samolotypolskie.pl - 9K34 (9M36) "Strzała-3"|website=www.samolotypolskie.pl}}</ref>
* {{flag|Federal Republic of Yugoslavia}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=26}}
* {{FIN}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=25}}
* {{GER}} − Former East German stock, used for training only.{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=26}}
* {{HUN}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=26}}
* {{IND}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=26}}
* {{flag|Iraq|1991}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=26}}
* {{KAZ}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=26}}
* {{KGZ}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=26}}
* {{MLD}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=26}}
* {{POL}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=26}}
* {{SAF}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=26}}
* {{URS}}<ref>{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance, 1989-1990 |date=1989 |publisher=Brassey's |location=London |isbn=978-0080375694 |page=34 |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }}</ref>
* {{TJK}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=26}}
* {{UAE}} – Used by the Abu Dhabi Royal Guard.{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=26}}
* {{UZB}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=26}}
* {{VIE}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=26}}

===Non-state former===

* {{flagicon image|Bandera_-_Frente_Farabundo_Martí_para_la_Liberación_Nacional.svg}} [[Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front]]{{sfn|Cullen|Foss|1992|pages=40−41}}
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Jamiat-e Islami.svg}} [[Jamiat-e Islami]]<ref name="guid">{{cite web|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/M-files/Armed%20groups%27%20guided%20missiles%20-%20March%20update.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818055508/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/M-files/Armed%20groups%27%20guided%20missiles%20-%20March%20update.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 18, 2014|title=Guided light weapons reportedly held by non-state armed groups 1998-2013|publisher=Small Arms Survey.|date=March 2013}}</ref>
* {{flaglist|Tamil Eelam|LTTE era|name=Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam}}<ref name ="guid"/>
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Revolutionary United Front.png}} [[Revolutionary United Front]]<ref name="guid" />
* {{flagicon image|Flag of UNITA.svg}} [[UNITA]]<ref name="guid" /> – Captured from [[MPLA]] and Cuban forces in late 1987.{{sfn|Cullen|Foss|1992|pages=40−41}}

==Comparison chart==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
!System
![[9K32 Strela-2|9K32M Strela-2M]] (missile: 9M32M)
!'''9K34 Strela-3''' (missile: 9M36)<ref>Istorija sozdanija i razvitija vooruzhenija i vojennoi theniki PVO suhoputnyh voisk Rossii</ref>
![[FIM-43 Redeye|FIM-43C Redeye]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-43.html|title=General Dynamics FIM-43 Redeye|website=www.designation-systems.net}}</ref>
|-
!Service entry
|1968
|'''1974'''
|1968
|-
!Mass, full system, ready to shoot
|15&nbsp;kg
|'''16&nbsp;kg'''
|13.3&nbsp;kg
|-
!Weight, missile
|9.8&nbsp;kg
|'''10.3&nbsp;kg'''
|8.3&nbsp;kg
|-
!Length
|1.44 m
|'''1.47 m'''
|1.40 m
|-
!Warhead
|1.15&nbsp;kg (0.37&nbsp;kg [[HMX]]) directed-energy blast fragmentation
|'''1.17&nbsp;kg (0.39&nbsp;kg [[HMX]]) directed-energy blast fragmentation, including a 20g secondary charge to set off remaining rocket propellant'''
|1.06&nbsp;kg M222 (0.36&nbsp;kg [[HMX|HTA-3]]) blast fragmentation
|-
!Seeker type
|AM-modulated (spin scan), uncooled PbS detector element (1–2.8&nbsp;μm sensitivity range). [[Tail-chase engagement|Tail-chase]] only.
|'''FM-modulated (con scan), nitrogen-cooled PbS detector element (2–4.3&nbsp;μm sensitivity range). Limited forward hemisphere ([[all-aspect]]) capability'''
|AM-modulated, gas-cooled PbS detector element. [[Tail-chase engagement|Tail-chase]] only.
|-
!Maximum range
|4,200 m
|'''4,500 m'''
|4,500 m
|-
!Speed
|430&nbsp;m/s
|'''470&nbsp;m/s'''
|580&nbsp;m/s
|-
!Target's maximum speed, approaching/receding
|150/260&nbsp;m/s
|'''310/260&nbsp;m/s'''
|–/225&nbsp;m/s
|-
!Engagement altitude
|0.05–2.3&nbsp;km
|'''0.03–3.0&nbsp;km'''
|0.05–2.7&nbsp;km
|-
|}

==See also==
* [[List of Russian weaponry]]

== Citations ==
<references />

== General and cited references ==
* {{cite book |editor1-last=Cullen |editor1-first=Tony |editor2-last=Foss |editor2-first=Christopher F |editor2-link=Christopher F Foss |title=Jane's Land-based Air Defence 1992-93 |date=1992 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-0979-3 |edition=5th |url=https://ftp.idu.ac.id/wp-content/uploads/ebook/tdg/ADNVANCED%20MILITARY%20PLATFORM%20DESIGN/Janes%20Land-Based%20Air%20Defence%201992-93%20by%20Tony%20Cullen,%20Christopher%20F.%20Foss%20(z-lib.org).pdf |access-date=30 April 2024}}
* {{cite web
|url=http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-43.html
|title=Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, FIM-43
|access-date=2008-04-23
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080417220914/http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-43.html
| archive-date= 17 April 2008 
| url-status= live
}}
* {{cite book|title=The Military Balance 2016|date=2016|volume=116|isbn=9781857438352|publisher=Routledge|ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2016}}|author=International Institute for Strategic Studies|author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies}}
* {{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=2024 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-040-05115-3 |language=en |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024}} |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }}
* {{cite book |editor1-last=O'Halloran |editor1-first=James C. |editor2-last=Foss |editor2-first=Christopher F. |title=Jane's Land-Based Air Defense 2002-2003 |date=2002 |publisher=Janes Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-2437-6 |edition=15th}}
* {{cite book
|last=Petukhov
|first=Sergei I.
|author2=Shestov I.V.
|title=Istorija sozdanija i razvitija vooruzhenija i vojennoi tehniki PVO suhoputnyh voisk Rossii, 1.-2
|trans-title=History of design and development of missile systems and military systems of AAW of Russian Land Forces
|publisher=VPK Publishing
|year=1998
}}

==External links==
* {{commons category inline}}
{{Russian SAM systems}}{{Russian and Soviet missiles|SAM}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:9k34 Strela-3}}
[[Category:KB Mashinostroyeniya products]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1970s]]
[[Category:Surface-to-air missiles of the Soviet Union|9K34]]