- Yes
- No
- (independent) BeNeLux tree
- France: BeNeLux subtree
- other
- no/negative
TL;DR: The Belgian UNIMOG Fuselier MISTRAL, a SHORAD system
History
History
The service life of the Belgian Mistral (Missile Transportable Anti-Aircraft Light) was coming to an end in 2017 after nearly 25 years of faithful service. In 1991, this short-range air defense system was purchased as a replacement for the 20mm guns, which had been used for close air defense of the Hawk sites, and as a complement to the Gepard B2 (armoured anti-aircraft artillery). With the decommissioning of the Hawk missile (Homing-All-the-Way Killer) and the Gepard B2 a few years later, air defense focus shifted entirely to the Mistral starting on the 1st of July 1994, under the responsibility of the 14th Air Defense Regiment (14 A) in Nieuwpoort. From 1994 to 2010, the regiment was divided into two batteries (35th and 43rd). These were further subdivided into three platoons, each consisting of 6 Mistral teams, making up the 47 UNIMOG Fuselier MISTRAL units in the Belgian Armed Forces.
Throughout its history, this weapon system has proven to be highly versatile. Shortly after its initial deployment, the mounted concept called PAMELA was introduced, which significantly improved the tactical mobility of a platoon or battery in Short-Range Air Defense (Shorad). It was shortly introduced to the UNIMOG 1.9 Tons series in the Belgian army. Over the years, the Mistral was deployed from helicopters, conducted mounted assault landings from C-130 transport aircraft, and a concept was developed for the Dingo (Multi-Purpose Protected Vehicle) to provide sufficient protection for Shorad personnel in areas of asymmetric conflict.
In addition to tactical exercises, live firing exercises were conducted in various countries. A total of 643 missiles were fired, achieving a hit rate of 86%. These exercises took place at firing ranges in Crete (Greece), Biscarrosse and Île du Levant (France), the Hebrides (United Kingdom), and finally in Rutja (Estonia).
As part of the NATO Rapid Reaction Force 16 stand-down period (the operational engagement until the end of 2017), and to give the Mistral a proper farewell, a final shooting period was held from May 8 to 12, 2017, in Rutja, Estonia, with logistical support from Belgium’s Estonian partners. Since 2010, there had been intensive cooperation with the Estonian Defense in the field of air defense. This includes expertise sharing, the provision of air targets (Ulma, drones, and target aircraft), as well as the participation of a Shorad platoon in various field training exercises such as Kevadtorm (Spring Storm) and Siil/Steadfast Javelin as part of NATO Reassurance Measures.
Through participation in such exercises, shooting periods, and the expertise provided, Belgium has shown itself to be a loyal and reliable partner within the NATO alliance. Furthermore, this not only demonstrates our commitment to the alliance but also proves that our country is dedicated to fulfilling its obligations to the fullest. It placed Belgium on the map within the broader context of NATO’s Readiness Action Plan and emphasized its solidarity with the Baltic states, particularly Estonia.
NATO Rapid Reaction Force 16 stand-down period, (11 May 2017).
To close this significant chapter in our military history, First Soldier Guillaume Sandelé fired the last Belgian Mistral missile on Thursday, May 11, 2017, at exactly 15:09. This took place in the presence of Belgian Defense Chief, General Marc Compernol, his Estonian counterpart, Lieutenant General Riho Terras, and several other military authorities. Despite their age, eight out of the eight missiles hit their targets during this shooting period, including the final one.
A Mistral platoon remained on standby until December 31, 2017, as part of the NATO Response Force, marking the end of the air defense artillery era.
The personnel would be retrained to operate the Mortier 120 mm Rayé Tracté Modèle F1 systems, returning to the regiment’s roots: the 14th Regiment was founded in 1914 as an artillery regiment.
Lombardzijde is etched in the memory as the home of the 14th Regiment, housing three Mistral batteries (62nd, 43rd, and 35th Batteries), each with three platoons consisting of 6 Mistral teams, along with a Staff and a training battery (64th Battery).
Specifications
Dimensions: (L/W/H): 5,57 m / 2,29 m / 2,29 m
Weight: 5.319 kg (empty) / 8.500 kg (max. load)
Engine: Mercedes OM 366 LA (136 hp)
Speed: 87 km/h
Range: 600 kmCrew: 3 (Driver, Gunner, Commander) + 2 (in-service as loaders)
Armament Munition Mistral S1 and Mistral M2 Mount PAMELA Ammunition 1 + 6 + 6 (loaded/ready-rack/storage below deck Elevation & Traverse In azimuth: 360°; in elevation: -15° to 60° Tripod weight 22,5 kg Night Vision infrared + visible Thermal sight IFF Yes (Weapon terminal for commander)
Transfer data SIPRI:
| Recipient | Supplier | Year of order | Number ordered | Weapon designation | Weapon description | Number delivered | Year(s) of delivery | status | Comments | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | France | 1988 | 714 | Mistral | portable SAM | 714 | 1991-1995 | Done | $93 m deal (incl 118 launchers; offsets 75% incl production of components in Belgium) | |||
| Belgium | France | 1991 | 290 | Mistral | portable SAM | 290 | 1993-1995 | Done | Deal incl also 24 ATLAS launchers (for Naval use) |
Place in War Thunder
The UNIMOG 1.9 Ton 4x4 Fuselier MISTRAL would be a rather lightly-equipped addition to War Thunder. It is similar to the type 93, but has less instantaneous firing capabilities and also lacks a gun. This would mean it could get scouting. It would be, alongside the Mercedes-Benz 290GD ‘SWP-L’, a good representation of fast and mobile SHORAD in the BeNeLux (sub)tree.
Regarding nations
BeNeLux
As the BeNeLux subtree for France has now been confirmed, France has the highest chance of recieving Belgian equipment. However an independent BeNeLux would also be very possible. For further info please go to: BeNeLux (Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg) Ground Forces.
Pictures
On the field
In Historical order:
1991
19942016 open day of the Belgian army at Leopoldsburg
2016 (new livery for the Armed Forces)Shooting period Estonia 2017
11th of may 2017, Guillaume Sandelé fires the last MISTRAL in Belgian service
Sources
Sources
- SIPRI Arms Transfers Database. (n.d.). SIPRI. https://www.sipri.org/databases/armstransfers
- MISTRAL ATLAS. (n.d.). MBDA. https://www.mbda-systems.com/products/force-protection/mistral-family/mistral-atlas
- Belgische Senaat, VERGADERING VAN MAANDAG 7 JULI 1997, VRAAG OM UITLEG VAN DE HEER GORIS AAN DE MINISTER VAN LANDSVERDEDIGING OVER DE LUCHTDOELDRONES VAN MISTRALRAKETTEN. (7th of july 1997). BELGIAN GOVERNMENT. https://www.senate.be/www/?MIval=publications/viewPub&COLL=H&PUID=16777274&TID=16782439&POS=1&LANG=nl
- Kamp Vogelsang. (n.d.). 14e ARTILLERIE. Lichte Vrachtwagens. https://www.kamp-vogelsang.be/bsd/bz_e03a/index.php#UNIMOG_MISTRAL
- Nicholas Fiorenza. (16 may 2017). IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly. Military Capabilities - Belgium phases out Mistral. Archived
- 2de Artillerie. (16 march 2016). 1993 - De Laatste Meters. https://2de-artillerie.be/1993-2/
- 2de Artillerie. (23 may 2016). 2010 - Het Einde! (het jaar van transformatie). https://2de-artillerie.be/2010-2/
