SA9
Threat: low
RWR
—
Symbols
HARM
—
Track Radar
HARM
—
Search Radar
no effect
ecm
no effect
chaff
effective
flare
| Designation | Strela-1 |
| Model | 9K31 |
| NATO | SA-9 Gaskin |
| Brevity | SA9 |
| max range | 2.50 NM/4.63 KM |
| max alt | 12,000 FT/3,657 M |
| lock time | fast |
| guidance | Infrared (IR) |
| country | Russia (1968) |
| category | Mobile Air Defense |
| notes | An effective, mobile, short-range tactical IR-guided SAM. Often confused for the SA-13. When deployed, the SA-9 looks very similar to an SA-13, but the SA-9 is a wheeled vehicle. SA-13 is a tracked vehicle. The SA-9 is silent, it has no radar emissions. There is no launch warning unless spotted visually or with a Missile Warning System. Brevity notes: the SA-9 and SA-13 are both known as 'Strela' (due to the model numbers), so it's best to be more specific when making a warning call. In most cases, when DCS players use 'Strela', they are referring to the SA-13. |
| counter | The SA-9 is easy to detect in open terrain via the Targeting Pod, but is otherwise silent and invisible and provides no launch warning except by a Missile Warning System. CAS & attack helicopters should maintain 3NM+ distance, and engage it with any standoff munitions. The SA-9 Launcher rotates 360-degrees and can engage in any direction. Flares are effective in defeating the IR missile but your available reaction time is low. |