Stinger FIM-92
Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) surface-to-air missile serving as the primary short-range kinetic interceptor for multiple C-UAS platforms.
System Overview
What It Is
The FIM-92 Stinger is the US military's primary man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS), a shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile that has been adapted for counter-UAS operations through proximity fuse upgrades.
How It Works
Stinger uses passive infrared homing to track the heat signature of airborne targets. The operator acquires the target visually, the seeker locks on to the heat source, and upon firing the missile autonomously guides to intercept. Proximity fuse upgrades allow detonation near small drones.
Primary Capability
Short-range air defense against aircraft, helicopters, and UAS using infrared homing guidance.
Combat Record / Operational History
Extensive combat use from Afghanistan to Ukraine; credited with hundreds of aircraft kills since 1980s.
Overview
The FIM-92 Stinger has been the backbone of US short-range air defense for over four decades. Originally designed to counter aircraft and helicopters, it has been adapted for the counter-UAS mission through technology upgrades.
Evolution for C-UAS
Upgrades include proximity fuse capability for detonation near target without direct hit, and improved seeker sensitivity for small thermal signatures.
Global Presence
Deployed by over 30 nations, Stinger has seen extensive combat from the Soviet-Afghan War to Ukraine.
Technical Specifications
- Infrared homing seeker
- Proximity fuse upgrade for C-UAS
- Man-portable or vehicle-mounted
- Range: 4.8 km
- Altitude: up to 3.8 km
Range
4.8 km
Compatible Platforms
Deployed By
Key Features
- Fire-and-forget guidance
- Man-portable design
- Proven combat record
- Proximity fuse for C-UAS
- Multi-platform integration
Advantages
- Widely deployed and proven
- Low operator training burden
- Effective against diverse air threats
- Strong logistics support base
Limitations
- Limited effectiveness against small electric drones
- Cost per missile (~$38K)
- Replacement (NGSRI) in development