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Intelligence Memorandum
The Soviet "Strela"an-Portable SAM
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY Directorate of Intelligence0
INTELLIGENCE MEMORANDUM
The Soviet "Strela"Man-Portable SAM
Summary
Since9 several independent sources have provided evidence indicating the existencean-portable, low-altitude surface-to-air missile system developed by the USSR. Analysis of the available reporting and of some components of the missile has led to these preliminary conclusions;
-- The weaponmall, man-portable, heat-seeking missile similar in many respects to the US Redeye. The Soviet designation for the system is "Strela."
Egyptian army personnel are being trained on the system and the Soviets havethe weapon for use against Israeli aircraft.
The weapon probably has been serially produced by the Soviets since at least the first halfnd probably has been deployedimited extent with Soviet troops.
Wider deployment of this system is likely, both in Egypt and with Soviet army units.
Note: This memorandum was produced solely by th Central Intelligence Agency. It was prepared by the Office of Strategic Research and coordinated with the Office of Scientific Intelligence.
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System Description
The designation "Strela" is the Russian word for arrow, and is equatedew SAM system '
The missile reportedly can reach an altitude of two miles andeat-seeking missile.
the new
Strela antiaircraft rocket would not be sold toPact countries because several years of production will be required for the Soviets to meet their own need5.
The apparent characteristics oi! the missile compare closely to those ot the US Redeye missile developed in the early Sixties and firstin7 (see illustration, facing). It. is clearlyopy of the Redeye, however.
Use in Egypt
That the Soviets are providing the Egyptians with the Strela missile and training them in its use
indicate that use of the system in Egypt is continuing and may expand in the future. Soviet personnel, are almost certainlyin this program as advisers or technicians.
training may have begun in, enabling the Egyptians to carry out combat firings beginning in the fall.
Program Status
The current production status of the Strela is unclear.
On balance, the evidence indicates that series production of the missile began at least as early
Future Deployment
l5S^ thG Performance of the system fallsof Soviet requirements, the Soviets'for tactical air defense promises aprogram for the
ll0Min9projections of likely Soviet force goals for the system are based on the
US the 'S^'only to selected front line company-level units, which are
as"gnedaliber air defense guns or other
2 defen?es- Jiven current Soviet army organization
table, short-range9characier-istics ofissile could be employed to besthe company, the lowest level where adequate control of the system can be exercised
Organization and missile allocation of Strela
hcare difficult to The US concept for the Redeye allocates
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P'imeto the immediate area of
arsx :ztnthe two
engineer companies in
tnd ITis, divisions ready for early commitment. inimum, the Soviet" groups of forces in Eastern Europe, Category I
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divisions in the western USSR, and the seven Soviet airborne divisions will probably be equipped with the Strela. This would require0inimum program would probably also include at least some of the units on the Sino-Soviet border. (The US inventory objective is0 Redeyes deployed, whichallowing for training andrequire production of0 missiles)
Widespread deployment of the Strela missilewould enhance Soviet tactical air defense.
its performance may improve a^ cne operators oecome more proficient or ifare made. The Strela probably would be more effective against the slow moving or hovering gunship aircraft and helicopters which have become anfactor in modern tactical warfare.
Original document.
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