Indian Army Gets Russia-Made Igla-S Missiles

Indian Army on Sunday received latest batch of Igla-S missiles from Russia. At a time when war with Pakistan is looming, the acquisition of deadly Russia-made Igla-S missiles will bolster India's defense. The Igla-S, a state-of-the-art Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), is now being deployed to frontline units, aimed at mitigating threats from adversarial aircraft, helicopters, and drones along the contentious borders.

The inclusion of these advanced missiles, procured under the government's emergency procurement powers, aligns with India's broader strategy to fortify its military readiness through expedited and emergency acquisitions. This approach, especially in the procurement of spare parts and crucial equipment, ensures that the armed forces remain prepared for high-stakes operations. With the Igla-S system, the Indian Army's ability to detect and neutralize aerial threats, including various unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) utilized by the Pakistan Army, receives a considerable boost.

Expanding Air Defence Capabilities

Reflecting on the recent developments, a defense source shared with ANI that the missiles, part of a Rs 260 crore contract, were delivered a few weeks ago. Their deployment is specifically targeted at fortifying India's defense posture along the western front. Notably, the Igla-S missiles, equipped with Infra Red sensors, have also been incorporated into the Indian Air Force's arsenal, marking a concerted effort to enhance air defense mechanisms across the military.

Further strengthening this initiative, the Indian Army has initiated the process to acquire additional launchers and VSHORADS missiles through fast-track procedures. This endeavor is complemented by plans to introduce newer versions of laser beam-riding VSHORADS, signaling a comprehensive upgrade of the nation's air defense capability.

Countering UAV Threats
The Igla-S represents the latest iteration in the evolution of Igla missile systems, which have been operational since the 1990s. Efforts to modernize the existing arsenal have seen older missile versions being refurbished domestically by Indian firms. This modernization drive is partly fueled by the pressing need to enhance UAV detection and neutralization capabilities, in light of the increasing use of drones for reconnaissance and offensive operations by adversaries.