MANPADS – The Defense Post

May- 2026 -

17 May

Air

Mistral Missile: France’s Short-Range Air Defense System Explained

This guide unpacks the Mistral missile and how it delivers fast, mobile air defense against low-flying threats in modern combat environments.

Feb- 2026 -

17 February

Arms

A Polish Army Soldier gives insights into MANPADS Piorun to U.S. Army Paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade during Exercise Shield 24 in Pula, Croatia, on April 9, 2024. This annual Croatian air defense drill enhances proficiency in countering low and medium-altitude threats. The exercise focuses on honing air defense tactics and live-fire engagements when collaborating with allies like the Slovenian and French Armed Forces. The 173rd Airborne Brigade remains poised as the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, ready to mobilize across various commands' areas of responsibility. (U.S. Army photo by Paolo Bovo)

Rojoef Manuel

Germany Signals ‘Preliminary Interest’ in Poland’s Piorun MANPADS

Germany is planning to acquire Poland’s homegrown Piorun man-portable air defense system.

Jan- 2026 -

7 January

Drones - Latest News, Features & Expert Opinion

Inder Singh Bisht

Russia Fields MANPADS-Armed Shahed to Deter Ukraine Counter-Drone Efforts

The Ukrainian Armed Forces has shot down a Russian Shahed one-way attack drone that was equipped with a man-portable air defense system.

Aug- 2025 -

20 August

Americas

Christine Casimiro

Raytheon, Diehl Partner to Co-Produce Stinger Missile Components in Europe

US defense contractor Raytheon has teamed up with German firm Diehl Defence to jointly produce the key components of the Stinger surface-to-air missile in Europe.

May- 2025 -

13 May

Arms

A soldier wearing a camouflaged uniform appears to be demonstrating how to carry the Piorun portable missile launching system. He has the equipment resting on his right shoulder, pointing it to the upper left side of the image.

Christine Casimiro

Belgium to Acquire Man-Portable Air Defense Systems From Poland

Belgium is enhancing the country’s defense with a planned acquisition of 200 to 300 Piorun man-portable air defense systems from Poland.

Apr- 2025 -

2 April

Air

Christine Casimiro

Latvia Boosts Air Defense With RBS 70 NG Order From Saab

The Latvian Ministry of Defence has ordered an air defense system from Saab under a framework agreement.

Feb- 2025 -

21 February

Americas

The Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor test-fired from a Stinger Vehicle Universal Launch system and from ground troops

Christine Casimiro

US Army Stinger Missile Replacement Program Makes Progress

The US Army’s Stinger surface-to-air missile replacement, the Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI), is continuing to make developmental progress.

3 February

Air