Another infallible weapon in India’s fleet…will become a big challenge for China
The Indian Army has received the first batch of 24 Russian-made Igla-S Man Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) with 100 missiles under a major deal, the remaining will be made in India under Transfer of Technology (ToT). The Igla-S system consists of a single launcher and a single missile.
In November last year, India signed a contract with Russia to procure 120 launchers and 400 missiles. The objective of this system is to enhance the very short-range air defence capabilities of the Indian Army. Igla-S system has been procured to foil every move of the enemy on the high hilly areas on the northern border.
Igla-S anti-aircraft missile is a man-portable air defence system. With this, any human being or army can fire to shoot down the enemy aircraft. This weapon will also help India increase its defence capability on the China and Pakistan border. Under the self-reliance scheme, India is reducing its dependence on foreign countries for weapons. Rather, India is trying to make as many weapons as possible itself. Even after this, India is largely dependent on Russian weapons to strengthen the Pakistani and Chinese borders.
Igla-SK is a man-portable air defence system. It can be fired by placing it on the shoulder to bring down enemy aircraft. The hand-held defence system can shoot down aircraft flying at low altitudes. It can also identify and terminate aerial targets like cruise missiles and drones. Igla-S includes a 9M342 missile, 9P522 launching mechanism, 9V866-2 mobile test station and 9F719-2 test set. The Indian Army has included the Igla-S system under emergency procurement.
The weight of the Igla-S anti-aircraft missile is 10.8 kg and the weight of the entire system is 18 kg. The length of the system is 5.16 feet and its diameter is 72 millimeters. An explosive weighing 1.17 kg is fitted at the tip of this missile. Its range is 5 to 6 kilometers. This missile can go up to a maximum of 11 thousand feet. This missile moves towards the target at a speed of 2266 kilometres per hour. India will use this weapon to strengthen its army on the western and northern fronts.
