FIM-92 Stinger
WesternFIM-92 Stinger MANPADS
The FIM-92 Stinger is a US-designed man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) that fires a heat-seeking missile to destroy low-flying aircraft and helicopters. During the Soviet-Afghan War, Stingers shot down dozens of Soviet helicopters. In Ukraine, they have been used extensively to counter Russian helicopters, low-flying aircraft, and most notably Shahed drones.
Primary Role
Short-range air defense against helicopters, low-flying aircraft, and drones
First documented use in Ukraine: 2022-02-24
Specifications
| Range | 4.8 km (slant), up to 3.8 km altitude |
| Speed (missile) | Mach 2.2 |
| Guidance | Passive infrared + UV seeker |
| Warhead | 3 kg HE fragmentation |
| System weight | ~15.2 kg (with gripstock) |
| IFF | Identification Friend or Foe interrogator |
✓ Strengths
- •Man-portable — can be used by individual soldiers anywhere
- •Passive IR guidance — can't be jammed by traditional RF EW
- •Very fast missile — limited time to evade
⚠ Limitations
- •Range limited to ~5 km — doesn't cover aircraft at medium/high altitude
- •Heat-seeking — potential for false lock-on in some environments
- •Battery cooling unit has limited life
Notable Use
The US supplied Ukraine with approximately 1,500 Stinger systems in the early weeks of the invasion. They helped deny Russian air superiority by forcing helicopters to fly higher and avoid the front area. They have also been used against Shahed kamikaze drones.
Ukraine War Context
Together with MANPADS from many NATO allies, Stingers contributed to Russia suffering unprecedented helicopter losses in the first weeks of the war. Ka-52, Mi-24, Mi-28, and Mi-8 helicopters were shot down across all front sectors, forcing Russia to change tactics.