India Gets First Batch Igla-S Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) (GS Paper 3, Defence & Tech), 8 April
Why in news?
- The Indian Army has received the first batch of 24 Russia-made Igla-S Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) and 100 missiles as part of a larger deal that includes domestic production in India.
- This procurement aims to enhance the Army’s Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) capabilities, particularly in high mountainous terrain along the northern border.
Procurement Details
- In November 2022, India signed a contract with Russia for 120 launchers and 400 missiles.
- While the first batch has been delivered from Russia, the remaining systems will be manufactured in India through Transfer of Technology (ToT) from Russia by an Indian company.
Capabilities of Igla-S
- The Igla-S is a hand-held defense system that can be operated by an individual or crew.
- It is designed to bring down low-flying aircraft and can also identify and neutralize air targets such as cruise missiles and drones.
- The system comprises the 9M342 missile, the 9P522 launching mechanism, the 9V866-2 mobile test station, and the 9F719-2 test set.
Deployment and Delivery
- The Igla-S systems are intended for new air defense formations in high mountainous terrain along the northern border.
- One regiment has already received these systems, and more will follow as deliveries progress.
Background and Selection Process
- The Request for Proposal (RFP) for VSHORADs was issued in 2010 under the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
- In 2018, Russia’s Rosoboronexport-manufactured Igla-S won a competitive bid as the lowest bidder (L1) over France’s MBDA-manufactured Mistral and Sweden’s SAAB-manufactured RBS 70 NG.
Significance and Replacement of Igla-1M
- The Igla-S acquisition addresses the Indian Army’s need to replace the outdated Igla-1M systems.
- This move is crucial, as highlighted in a 2012 letter from then Army chief General V.K. Singh to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, citing the obsolescence of existing air defense systems.
Future Plans and DRDO Tests
- Once the current requirement is fulfilled, the Indian Army plans to replace the older Igla systems with advanced laser-beam riding and infrared VSHORADS.
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently conducted two flight tests of indigenous VSHORADS missiles, indicating progress in this direction.
