---
esi_data:
  fitting_stats:
    cpu_output: 180
    high_slots: 4
    low_slots: 2
    med_slots: 4
    powergrid_output: 45
    rig_slots: 3
  group: Frigate
  hull_stats:
    hp_armor: 350
    hp_shield: 500
    hp_structure: 400
  name: Kestrel
  race: Unknown
  skill_requirements:
  - level: 1
    skill_id: 3330
  type_id: 602
  velocity: 325
faction: Caldari State
faction_group: Empire
image: /602.png
last_updated: '2026-04-20T03:30:13.414614'
ship_class: Frigate
source: eve-university
source_stats:
  armorem: 50
  armorexp: 10
  armorhp: 350
  armorkin: 25
  armortherm: 45
  bandwidth: ''
  bonuses: <b>Caldari Frigate bonuses (per skill level):</b><br>5% bonus to Light
    Missile and Rocket damage<br>10% bonus to Light Missile and Rocket max velocity<br>
  capacitor: 330 GJ
  cargohold: "160 m\xB3"
  class: Frigate
  cpu: 180
  dronebay: ''
  externallinks: ''
  extrahold: ''
  extraholdtype: ''
  faction: Caldari State
  forumlinks: ''
  grouping: Standard Frigates
  highlights1: ''
  highlights2: ''
  highlights3: ''
  highlights4: ''
  highs: 4
  hulltype: Kestrel Class
  inertia: 3.27
  info: The Kestrel is a heavy missile boat with one of the most sophisticated sensor
    arrays around. Interestingly enough, it has been used by both the Caldari Navy
    and several wealthy trade corporations as a cargo-hauling vessel. It is one of
    few trading vessels with good punching power, making it ideal for solo trade-runs
    in dangerous areas. The Kestrel was designed so that it could take up to four
    missile launchers but as a result it can not be equipped with turret weapons nor
    with mining lasers.
  launchers: 4
  lows: 2
  mass: 1113000
  maxlockedtargets: 5
  maxvelocity: 325
  mediums: 4
  powergrid: 45
  quote: Trust extends as far as missiles can fly.
  quote_attribution: Caldari border trader saying
  reqskills: '*{{RequiredSkill|Caldari Frigate|I}}

    ** {{RequiredSkill|Spaceship Command|I}}'
  scanres: 620 mm
  sensortype: Gravimetric
  sensorvalue: 11 points
  shieldem: 0
  shieldexp: 50
  shieldhp: 500
  shieldkin: 40
  shieldtherm: 20
  shipid: 602
  shipimg: Kestrel.jpg
  shipname: Kestrel
  sigradius: 38 m
  structurehp: 400
  targetrange: 50.00 km
  tech: ''
  totaltraintime: 25m 0s
  turrets: 0
  variations: '{{Ship|Manticore}}'
  volume: 19700
  warpspeed: 5 AU/s
  warptime: 5.05 s
  wikireferences: ''
source_url: https://wiki.eveuniversity.org/Kestrel
tech_level: Tech 1
title: Kestrel
type_id: 602
validation_score: 1.0
---

<img src="/602.png" alt="Kestrel" width="300" style="float: left; margin-right: 25px; margin-bottom: 10px; width: 300px;" />

<div style="display: flow-root;">

## Summary

</div>
As expected of the Caldari, the Kestrel is the premier Tech 1 missile frigate. It lacks the speed of the Condor or the strong shield tank of the Merlin, but its four mid slots let it mount a good balance of tank, propulsion and tackle, and its significant missile range bonus makes it a powerful kiting ship against foes its own size.

The Kestrel makes an excellent frigate for Level 1 missions, using the superior range of missiles to avoid damage. It is also popular for solo PvP, where the versatility granted by its mid slots is highly valued.
<div style="display: flow-root;">

## Skills

</div>
The Kestrel is a cheap Tech 1 frigate and is therefore forgiving and not skill-intensive. This doesn't mean that its performance can't be enhanced by skill training, though, and pilots who want to make long-term PvP use of the Kestrel (rather than moving on to other Caldari hulls) can consider their training. Caldari Frigate is the simplest way to improve the Kestrel's performance. Note that the bonus is not purely on damage but also adds to missile velocity, boosting the Kestrel's range. This gives extra room to kite further out against similar rocket ships like the Condor or Breacher. Strong missile support skills help the Kestrel kite, and mobility support skills are important for helping the Kestrel, not New Eden's fastest frigate, control range.
<div style="display: flow-root;">

## Tactics

</div>
In lowsec solo PvP, the most common fit for the Kestrel is an armor tank with dual webs, a scram, and an afterburner. When flying this kind of fit but also more generally, the Kestrel's rocket range allows it to outrange autocannons , blasters, and even pulse lasers with good support skills. When fighting an opponent with long-range weapons, such as artillery, the Kestrel can often get under the guns of the opponent by orbiting close, as the dual webs help make up for the Kestrel's slow speed. The dual webs also can slow down most opponents enough that T2 Rage rockets will apply their full damage.

In nullsec solo PvP, the Kestrel is sometimes found fitted with a shield tank, single web, and a microwarpdrive. The MWD helps deal with bubbles. With a free lowslot, the ship's DPS can be enhanced with a ballistic control system.
<div style="display: flow-root;">

## Notes

</div>
The kestrels are a subgroup of falcons. The common Eurasian kestrel is a small bird of prey which often hovers to hunt by flying into the wind.