Russia signs $1.5 Bn deal to supply and license Igla-S air defense systems to India.

As reported by TASS on November 14, 2023, the Russian company Rosoboronexport signed a contract during the Dubai Airshow 2023, for both the supply and the organization of licensed production for the Russian Igla-S man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) in India. This agreement, reportedly valued at up to $1.5 billion, has been initiated in collaboration with an Indian private company.
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The Igla-S MANPADS is able to engage various targets such as tactical aircraft, helicopters, drones, and low-flying cruise missiles. (Picture source: Yandex)

This contractual agreement results from India's decision in November 2018 to select the Russian Igla-S MANPADS as part of its VSHORAD (very short-range air defense system) program, in order to replace outdated Soviet-era 9K38 Igla MANPADS systems with more technologically advanced systems. According to Russian sources, the procurement may involve a substantial order, including 5,175 missiles and 800 launchers, with 600 missiles designated for production by the Indian state-owned enterprise Bharat Dynamics Ltd.

While emphasizing the ongoing collaboration with Indian enterprises, Rosoboronexport's General Director, Alexander Mikheev, refrained from disclosing specific details about the companies involved or the timeline for the initiation of production. This collaborative effort is part of a broader initiative by Rosoboronexport to engage with both Indian private and public entities, considering Russia's consistent position as a significant military supplier to India.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russia constituted 45 percent of India's military imports between 2018 and 2022. During the same period, France and the United States contributed 29 percent and 11 percent, respectively.

In addition to the Igla-S MANPADS, Rosoboronexport and its Indian partners have previously provided India with various defense equipment, including Su-30MKI fighters, main battle tanks (MBTs), armored vehicles, shells, and, more recently, the joint production of Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles initiated earlier in 2023.

The 9K338 Igla-S MANPADS, officially adopted by the Russian army in 2004, represents a technological advancement compared to previous variants of the Igla system. Primarily designed to protect army units, military installations, and civilian assets from attacks by enemy tactical aircraft, the Igla-S features a more potent combat weapon and the capability to engage various targets such as tactical aircraft, helicopters, drones, and low-flying cruise missiles.

Also referred to as SA-24 Grinch, the Igla-S is the latest generation of Russian portable air defense missile systems, with an effectiveness against air targets extended to 6 km, surpassing its predecessor, the Igla-1 system, which had a range of 5 km.