Army Receives First Batch of Igla-S Missiles, Boosting Air Defence

The Indian Army has bolstered its air defence capabilities with the arrival of the first batch of advanced Igla-S Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) from Russia.

This initial delivery includes 24 launchers and 100 missiles, marking a significant step within a larger defence contract signed between the two countries in November 2023.

The agreement, totaling 120 launchers and 400 missiles, includes a Transfer of Technology (ToT) provision under which a substantial portion of the order will be manufactured in India. This development aligns with India's increasing emphasis on domestic defence production and self-reliance.

The Igla-S is a cutting-edge, shoulder-fired, very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) system, specifically designed to neutralize low-altitude threats like helicopters, aircraft, and drones.

The Indian Army will strategically deploy these systems within its newly established air defence formations stationed along the country's northern borders, particularly within the challenging terrain of the high-altitude mountainous regions.

The addition of the Igla-S MANPADS to the Indian Army arsenal will considerably strengthen its ability to defend against aerial threats in these strategically vital areas.

 

[Hita Techi]

With the proliferation of drones , we need thousands of Manpads. Ukraine got thousands of both soviet and western Manpads from Europe and US but still running short due to so many ISR drones

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

A low probability of hit and an outdated missile compared to many available in the market.

 

[Sandeep]

On a short term basis it's ok that India replenishes our own air defence but this should only be on a short term basis only. At the same time India needs to carry on developing our own indigenous VSHORAD because we can develop an even better system if the private sector invests more on research and development.

 

[Pad UwU]

Post Soviet Russian rusty shovel technology is very handy.... We should start manufacturing it here and for a JV r&d with Russia to secure our supply chain and prospect of selling it to friendly nation

 

[Pad UwU]

On a short term basis it's ok that India replenishes our own air defence but this should only be on a short term basis only. At the same time India needs to carry on developing our own indigenous VSHORAD because we can develop an even better system if the private sector invests more on research and development.

It said in article the Russian already transferred it's tech... IMHO we should instead lure Russian to make a JV r&d and manufacturing site here like brahmos it's a both win win solution... If we indigenizing again our own design it'll end up decades delay or being scrap into memories 😹😹😹😹

 

[Mandalika Srirama murthy]

But Russia is not able counter effectively the Ukrainian drone attacks . And, also it cannot counter mass drone attacks. We have to think about better and more effective methods.