According to information obtained by ThePrint, the Indian Army has taken delivery of the initial consignment comprising 24 Igla-S Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) manufactured in Russia, accompanied by 100 missiles. This forms part of a broader agreement, with the remaining systems set to be produced in India.

The procurement of the system aims to strengthen the Indian Army's Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) capabilities.

Sources within the defence establishment have disclosed that the Army previously incorporated a minimal quantity of Igla-S systems (comprising 24 launchers and 216 missiles) through emergency procurement in 2021, the current order represents a larger acquisition.

The Igla-S system comprises a single launcher and missile. India finalised a contract with Russia in November of the previous year for 120 launchers and 400 missiles.

While the initial batch originates from Russia, the remaining systems will be manufactured in India through Transfer of Technology (ToT) facilitated by a domestic company. These Igla-S systems are being procured for newly authorised air defence formations designated for high mountainous terrain along the northern border.

According to sources, one regiment has already received these systems, with additional units slated to receive them as deliveries progress.

The Request for Proposal (RFP) for Very Short Range Air Defence systems (VSHORADs) was issued in 2010 under the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, initiating the selection process.

MANPADS, portable surface-to-air missile systems, are used by air defence units in high mountainous regions to counter low-altitude aerial threats such as aircraft, drones, and missiles.

The Indian Army currently uses the Igla-1M systems, which are in need of urgent replacement. The procurement of Igla-S systems will address the present requirement of the Army for such air defence systems.

Following this development, the Army plans to phase out the older Igla systems and introduce advanced laser-beam riding and infrared Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS). It is anticipated that the contract for these systems will be concluded imminently.

In February of this year DRDO executed two flight tests of indigenous VSHORADS missiles from a ground-based portable launcher.

Image source: ANI