The 9M31 Strela-1 missile was developed concurrently with the 9K32M Strela-2 and both were intended to be small, man-portable weapon systems by project's end. However, the Strela-2 advanced into a more compact design which led to the decision of making the Strela-1 the heavier of the two. As such, the Strela-1 mounted a larger warhead and provided better maneuverability and slightly better range at the expense of additional drag. It was envisioned that the new missile would be fitted to a turret system atop the proven BRDM-2 and be fielded to provide protection to the vulnerable ZSU-23-4 "Shilka" tracked anti-aircraft weapon systems at the regiment level. Four SA-9 Gaskins would back up four ZSU-23-4 Shilkas.
Notable operators of the SA-9 include Cuba, Croatia; Egypt, India; Libya; Poland, Serbia, Syria, Ukraine, Vietnam and Yemen. Former notable operators include Czechoslovakia and Iraq.
The SA-9 has been used in a variety of conflicts during its tenure and include the Arab-Israeli wars, Lebanon wars, the Iran-Iraq War, the Yugoslav wars and the 2003 Invasion of Iraq (fighting alongside Iraqi Army forces).
An improved SA-9 entered service in 1970 as the SA-9B "Haskin-Mod0" (Soviet designation of 9M31M-1M).
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