Man-portable air defense missile system (MANPADS) "Stinger" (FIM-92 "Stinger" / "Sting") – the US air defense system of the 2nd generation of the surface-to-air class, used to defeat low-flying air targets. The upgraded FIM-92 belongs to the 3rd generation MANPADS along with the Russian Igla-S MANPADS and the French Mistral air defense system.
The Stinger MANPADS use dual-band infrared and ultraviolet guidance, which, in combination with software control, provides the possibility of comprehensive detection and homing. As the missile approaches the target, the homing head (HOMING) activates the "adapted targeting" scheme for one second before colliding with it in order to correct the ballistic trajectory. Then it hits the set target.
MANPADS "Stinger" in action
The advantages of the Stinger MANPADS are considered to be:
- Easy operation (l/s training for MANPADS control takes 1-2 days);
- the speed of bringing into combat position (less than 1 minute);
- compactness and durability;
- high maneuverability;
- low cost;
- high destructive power;
- protection from infrared interference (in POST and RMP versions) ;
- the possibility of using the complex by one person on the principle of "shot and forgot".
The main disadvantage in the design of the FIM-92 MANPADS is the short range of hitting targets (up to 4 km), as well as the low power of the missile warhead.
Deliveries of Stinger MANPADS to Ukraine
As of April 2022, the United States and other NATO countries have supplied 2,700 Stinger MANPADS to Ukraine. On October 15, 2022, the first reports of depletion of FIM-92 MANPADS appeared. In the 10 months since the start of its operation, the Stinger MANPADS, which were produced for 13 years, were used up.
Representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine inspect the Stinger MANPADS received from NATO countries
Chinese analysts believe that the production of FIM-92 will be significantly increased, since the US military budget for 2023 provided for the allocation of an additional $ 21.7 billion to continue the supply of various types of weapons to Ukraine. First of all, this is beneficial for such large arms manufacturing companies as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, whose shares increased by more than 35% in 2022 amid poor stock market dynamics.
Combat use and counteraction of MANPADS "Stinger" during its
It is known that during a special military operation, due to the use of various air defense systems by Ukrainians, the Russian Aerospace Forces lost a total of 2-4 fighters, 7-11 attack aircraft, 1 transport aircraft and 12-18 helicopters (as of October 2022).
So, on February 24, 2022, a Ka-52 helicopter of the Russian Aerospace Forces was attacked from a Stinger MANPADS (more than a dozen missiles were used up), after which it made an emergency landing in the suburbs of Kiev.
The damaged Ka-52 helicopter
On February 27, 2022, a Mi-24 helicopter was shot down from a FIM-92 MANPADS.
In March 2022, the fighters of the People's Militia of the DPR with the help of a captured MANPADS "Stinger" shot down an AFU Mi-8 helicopter.
In May 2022, the right engine of the Su-25 attack aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces was hit by two hits of the Stinger MANPADS, but accompanied by the second Su-25 attack aircraft returned safely to base.
On October 11, 2022, Russian Armed Forces missiles were shot down from the Stinger.
According to the information received, the Armed Forces of Ukraine used MANPADS "Stinger" even to combat armored vehicles of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
According to analysts, one of the reasons for the successful use of FIM-92 is the need for pilots of the Russian Aerospace Forces to reduce flight altitude in order to deliver the most accurate strike with conventional missiles, which increases the vulnerability of aircraft.
Chinese analysts note that in order to combat "Stingers", the Russian Armed Forces are reducing aircraft flights at low and ultra-low altitudes or using false thermal targets (LTCs). However, Chinese experts suggest using optoelectronic interference to disrupt the operation of the MANPADS guidance system and prevent it from hitting the target.
During the SVO, the Russian Aerospace Forces began to use the technique of launching missiles upwards (maneuvering) to get out of the air defense zone of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
General assessment
The Stinger MANPADS have comprehensive destruction capabilities and pose a threat to aircraft flying at low and ultra-low altitudes. However, the destructive power of the complex decreases when it is used in open areas, and the means of counteraction used by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation reduce its effectiveness.
Chinese analysts also note that about 30 FIM-92 MANPADS are needed to destroy one aircraft in general, while a large number of MANPADS supplied by NATO countries are destroyed by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation during transportation, which significantly reduces the possibility of its use by the Armed Forces.
In general, the damage inflicted by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation with the FIM-92 MANPADS during the SVO is estimated as "insignificant".
Based on the materials of Chinese specialized publications