Igla-S

• Igla-S is a man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) developed by Russia.
• It is a hand-held defence system that can be operated by an individual or crew.
• It is designed to bring down low-flying aircraft and can also identify and neutralise air targets such as cruise missiles and drones.
• The Igla-S system includes the 9M342 missile, the 9P522 launching mechanism, the 9V866-2 mobile test station, and the 9F719-2 test set.
  • Together, these components provide a robust defence against low-flying aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones.
• It has a range of 500 metres to 6 kilometres and attack targets up to an altitude of 3.5 kilometres.
• The speed of the missile is 400 metres per second and the deployment time is 13 seconds.
• A VSHORAD is the soldier’s last line of defence against enemy combat aircraft, helicopters and UAVs in the multilayered air defence network.

Latest News

• 17 May 2024:
  • Indian Army is all set to begin receiving another set of Russian Igla-S very short range air defence systems (VSHORAD) by the end of May or early next month.
  • This will address a long-standing gap in its air defense capabilities that has experienced several delays.
  • The acquisition of the Igla-S MANPADS marks a significant step in enhancing India’s air defence capabilities, particularly in mountainous regions.
  • The acquisition of the Igla-S systems addresses the Army’s need to replace the outdated Igla-1M systems.