As part of a larger deal that includes local production in India, the Indian Army has received the first batch of 24 Igla-S Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) made in Russia together with 100 missiles.
The Indian Army is acquiring the Igla-S system in order to improve its Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) capabilities. Compared to the lesser emergency purchase made in 2021, this procurement is significant, according to sources in the defense establishment.
One person or a team can operate the hand-held defense system, Igla-S.
In addition to being able to locate and destroy aerial targets like drones and cruise missiles, it is made to bring down low-flying aircraft as well.
In November of last year, India and Russia struck an agreement for 400 missiles and 120 launchers. Although the first batch originated in Russia, an Indian company will use Transfer of Technology (ToT) to manufacture the remaining systems in India.
The new air defense formations for the high mountainous terrain along the northern border are designed to use the Igla-S systems. These systems have reportedly already been delivered to one regiment; more are expected as supplies continue.
2010 saw the release of the VSHORADs Request for Proposal by the former UPA government. In 2018, the Igla-S manufactured by Rosoboronexport in Russia emerged as the lowest bidder in a competitive tender, defeating the Mistral manufactured by MBDA in France and the RBS 70 NG manufactured by SAAB.
