Country: United States Of America
Missile Type: Air to Air missile
Service Type: Yes
Washington DC (Washington Insider Magazine) — The FIM-92 Stinger is an American man-portable air-defense system. It operates as an infrared-homing surface-to-air missile. This missile is adapted to fire from a wide range of ground vehicles. The missile can be operated through helicopters as an Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS). Stinger entered service in 1981 and has been in use by the militaries of the United States and 29 other countries. This missile was first manufactured by Raytheon Missiles & Defense and was produced under license by Airbus Defence and Space in Germany and by Roketsan in Turkey.
Specifications
- Mass Missile – 22 lb (10.1 kg)
- System – 35 lb (15.7 kg)
- Length At launch – 5 ft (1.53 m)
- In-flight – 4 ft 6 in (1.37 m)
- Diameter-2.8 in (70 mm)
- Effective firing range 0.12–3.11 mi (.2–5 km)
- Warhead-HE-FRAG
- Warhead weight-6.6 lb (3 kg)
Buyers
- Afghanistan
- Australia
- Angola
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Chad
- Chile
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Egypt
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
Recent Use In Battlefield
The most recent use of FIM-92 Stinger was during the Syrian civil war. It was reported that Turkey helped to transport a limited amount of FIM-92 Stingers and sent them to the Free Syrian Army. On 27 February 2020, the missile was launched during the northwestern offensive in December 2019. It was used by the Syrian regime which was backed by Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah.
The Russian and Syrian aircraft was attacked by a Turkish military convoy near Idlib. It killed around 36 Turkish soldiers. Video footage emerged that had coverage of the alleged Turkish soldiers. The photos of a missile were revealed that were similar to a Roketsan-made Stinger. This missile was operated by Russian or Syrian aircraft.
FIM-92 Stinger was used during the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Ukrainian soldier of the 30th Mechanized Brigade Anti-Air Battalion used the FIM-92 Stinger during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In February 2022, it was revealed that several nations announced that they used Stinger missiles on the Ukrainian forces. This missile was used against the Russian invasion.
Germany had announced that they will provide 500 missiles. Denmark also said that they will provide parts for 300 missiles, that were to be assembled in the United States. The Netherlands also shared that they would supply 200 units.
By 7 March, the USA had reported that NATO allies will send more than 2,000 Stinger missiles to Ukraine. In late April 2022, Raytheon Technologies CEO Greg Hayes shared with the investors that the company had been experiencing supply chain issues and might not be able to ramp up production of Stinger missiles until 2023.
This delay happened because the Stinger was scheduled to be replaced in the 2020s. FIM-92 Stinger supplied contained obsolete components, that had to be redesigned for modern procurement. As of 11 May, the USA sent the aging Stinger missile stockpile to Ukraine. Russia supplied the single Stinger to Iran and attempted the reverse engineering
FAQS
1. How Much Does A FIM-92 Stinger Cost?
The unit costs U.S.$38,000. If a missile is purchased only then it is estimated to be around ($119,320 in 2020 FY)
2. How Effective Is FIM-92 Stinger?
The Stinger-Reprogrammable Microprocessor, which is also called RMP, has a greater effect than other types of missiles. It has a 90 percent success rate when it comes to reliability and training tests. This missile has supersonic speed, and agility and has highly accurate guidance. It also comes with an effective control system and allows the weapon to have an operational edge. It works with cruise missiles and is compatible with all classes of aircraft.
3. Can an FIM-92 Stinger Hit A Tank?
The warhead is used by Stinger missiles and makes it great for hitting aircraft. It is a Stinger missile that can hit a tank easily. It would not be nearly as effective as an anti-tank weapon. It is very much similar to the Javelin and this is one of the biggest factors that hinder a Stinger anti-aircraft missile from hitting from a distance.
4. Is FIM-92 Stinger Missiles Reusable?
FIM-92 Stinger is a lightweight and portable device. The missile and its launcher weigh around 35 pounds which is approximately around 15 kilograms. It is one of the best launchers that is reusable.
Read More: RIM-7 Sea Sparrow Specifications, Buyers & Recent Use In Battlefield
5. Is FIM-92 Stinger Effective Against Russian Planes?
With the Raytheon Technologies-designed Stingers, Ukrainian forces have gained a tool that is used for fighting Russian helicopters. It is being used to transport troops and as a defense missile.
