At the Ukraine Defense Contact Group gathering focused on Ukraine’s defense held last Friday, April 21, 2023, Ināra Mūrniece, Latvia’s Minister of Defence, declared the country’s intent to transfer its entire stock of FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine.
Latvia has taken action in response to Ukraine’s appeal for air defense systems, opting to send all remaining Stinger air defense equipment to the nation. “We are committed to facilitating the delivery to Ukraine as promptly as possible,” stated Mūrniece.
The Stinger MANPADS is designed to counter a variety of aerial threats, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) flying at low to medium altitudes. The system is particularly effective against targets within its range of approximately 8 km (5 miles) and at altitudes up to 3,800 m (12,500 feet).