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Indian Army Enhances Air Defense Capabilities with Locally Produced Igla-S Systems.
The Indian Army is set to receive the portable Igla-S air defense systems. These systems, assembled locally by Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL), will be produced under a technology transfer agreement with the Russian company Rosoboronexport. This contract includes the supply of 48 Igla-S launchers, 100 missiles, night-vision devices, and a missile testing station, valued at an estimated ₹260 crores.
The Indian Army will receive the Igla-S systems, locally assembled by Adani Defence as part of a technology transfer agreement with Rosoboronexport. (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)
The Indian Army will receive the Igla-S systems, locally assembled by Adani Defence as part of a technology transfer agreement with Rosoboronexport. The contract includes 48 launchers, 100 missiles, night-vision devices, and a testing station, valued at ₹260 crores. This initiative aims to strengthen India’s short-range air defense capabilities.
The local production of the Igla-S represents a significant step towards India's defense self-sufficiency, in line with the "Make in India" initiative. The Igla-S system, equipped with advanced infrared targeting technology, is designed to counter a wide range of aerial threats, including drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft. With its precision and range, this system is a major asset for protecting critical military and civilian infrastructure against diverse threats.
The technology transfer from Rosoboronexport to ADSTL enables India to enhance its production of sophisticated defense systems while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. The agreement with Rosoboronexport also highlights the strong defense ties between India and Russia, a strategic partnership further strengthened by other programs such as the S-400 air defense system and T-90 tanks.
Deliveries of the Igla-S systems will begin by the end of May 2024, allowing the Indian Army to deploy these advanced systems. This modernization of air defense capabilities takes place in a context of heightened regional security, where the threat of aerial attacks, including those by drones and precision-guided munitions, is increasingly prevalent. In response, the Indian Army continues to integrate cutting-edge technologies to ensure the security of its borders and the protection of its strategic resources.
The Igla-S is a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) developed in the Soviet Union and in use since 1981. This missile, weighing 10.8 kg, features a solid-propellant engine and has an operational range of 6 km with a flight ceiling of 3.5 km. Its dual-band infrared seeker enables it to detect and track targets such as aircraft and helicopters. The Igla-S is renowned for its ability to intercept high-speed threats and its high precision, thanks to its infrared guidance system.
India continues its strategy of modernizing its armed forces, and the integration of the Igla-S into its air defense arsenal marks a significant advancement. This development, supported by Adani Defence and Rosoboronexport, not only enhances India’s defense capabilities but also promotes self-sufficiency in defense production, thus contributing to the country's technological sovereignty.