The Indian army is on the verge of strengthening its air defense capabilities due to the arrival of the last batch of the system of short-range air defense “Igla-S”.
Details
Delivery of these systems is planned for the end of May 2024 – early June 2024, these systems aim to fill an important gap in the country's defense arsenal after several delays. From now on, "Igla-S" will be assembled in India by Adani Defense Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL) as part of the technology transfer from Rosoboronexport. as part of emergency procurement initiatives for the army.
We will remind you that the contract was signed in December 2020, and the first delivery was made in April 2024. It included 24 launchers, 216 missiles and test equipment. The final batch will increase the total number of “Igla-S” systems. up to 48 launchers, 100 missiles, 48 night vision devices and a missile test station. These acquisitions were made for a total of 26 million rupees (approximately $32 million). This reinforcement comes at a critical time as India continues to consolidate its position along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, an area marked by sporadic clashes and ongoing tensions.
The “Igla-S” system with an interception range of up to 6 kilometers is a significant upgrade compared to the currently used “Igla-1M” systems. The first systems were introduced in 2021 through an emergency procurement procedure, but this recent order is part of a wider planned initiative that will see future units produced in India. From now on, "Igla-S" will be assembled in India by Adani Defense Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL) after transferring technology from Rosoboronexport.
India chose the “Igla-C” system; after a lengthy selection process that began in 2010 under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. In 2018, “Rosoboronexport” bypassed the French and Swedish competitors, although this decision was contested by the competitors, claiming that the Russian system does not meet the technical requirements of the tender.
MANPADS “Igla-S” used to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats such as aircraft, drones, and missiles in high-altitude areas. The need to modernize the systems was highlighted in a 2012 letter from former Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh, who reported that nearly 97% of air defense equipment was outdated.
Apart from upgrading its air defense inventory, India has also made significant progress thanks to the successful tests of indigenous VSHORADS missiles by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in February this year.
The Igla-S, which is also used by several other countries, contains the 9M342 missile, which can be mounted on various platforms, effectively increases its range and ability to engage smaller targets such as cruise missiles. This ready-to-use system weighs 17 kg and has a response time of 5 to 10 seconds, uses a passive infrared sight and night vision capabilities.