Strela-3 is a Soviet-made man portable air defense missile to replace the Strela-2. Accepted by the Soviet Union in 1974. The major change between the Strela-2 and Strela-3 is a new infra-red homing seeker head. This was more resistant to flares and infrared decoys. The new seeker had cooling elements for the detector which allowed the tracking at longer distances for cooler targets and the ability to fire on forward-hemisphere. The BTR and BMP equipped Motor Rifle Battalion along with the Parachute and VDV Battalions has 9 MANPADs in a Air Defense Platoon.
A noticeable improvement over the Strela-2 in both range and accuracy, it can do more damage out-ranging helicopter weapons and even staying out of range of tank guns.
AirLand Battle[]
The main advantage of the PZRK Strela-3 is its availability, starting at 12 and being available in Category C decks rather than the LAAD Stinger, LAAD Javelin or Lvgrp RBS 70, all of which start at 8 and the former two are only available for Category A decks.
For 10 accuracy and 4 HE it is far more accurate than most of its counterparts in NATO like the LAAD Redeye or the LAAD Blowpipe, making it one of the most cost-effective units that can be brought into play for the Soviet Union.