9K31 STRELA-1 / SA-9 “GASKIN”

9K31 Strela-1 or SA-9 “Gaskin” is a low-high, short-range anti-aircraft missile system developed in the Soviet Union in the late 1960s along with the man portable SA.7 “Grail” missile. They are usually deployed within motorized infantry and armored regiments, and protects them from interdiction aircraft and attack helicopters. They operate jointly with ZSU.23-4 “Shilka” self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicles in 4-vehicle batteries. Each battery is formed by 1 locator radar and 3 launcher vehicles. The launcher vehicle is the BRDM.2, an amphibious high mobility 4×4 armoured reconnaissance vehicle, that mounts 4 ready to fire missiles,  packed in 2 pairs of boxes in a folding turret. There is an improved version designed as SA-9B Strela-1M, developed very shortly after, and entered into service in 1970. The “Gaskin” has been and remains in service in more than 30 countries, constituting a big sales success for the Soviet armament’s industry.

SA-9 GASKIN gallery and more info