Army inducts Russian MANPADS

Published: 9th Apr, 2022

Context

The Army has inducted a small number of MANPADS, Igla-S systems recently procured from Russia under emergency procurement.

About

What are MANPADS?

They are the short-range, lightweight, and portable surface-to-air missiles that may be fired by individuals or small groups to kill aeroplanes or helicopters are known as Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems.
They aid in the protection of troops from aerial attacks and are particularly efficient against low-flying aircraft.
Man-Portable Anti-Tank Systems, or MANPATs, are identical but are used to destroy military tanks.
MANPADS can be fired from a helicopter or boat, or launched from atop a ground vehicle.

About Very short-range air-defense system (VSHORAD)

Very Short Range Air Defense Missiles are regarded as critical for the defence of any major city or strategically significant location.
The VSHORAD will replace the existing Igla in service, which is in desperate need of replacement, with a maximum range of 6 km, altitude of 3 km, and all-weather capability.
VSHORADS are the soldier’s last line of defense against enemy combat aircraft and helicopters in the multilayered air defense network.

Igla-S systems

Igla-S systems are developed by Russia.
It is a man-portable air defence system (MANPADS).
“Igla-S” is an air defense system that can be carried by a single person.
It is designed to defeat all types of visible fixed- and rotary-winged aircraft, as well as small aerial targets, on head-on and pursuit courses.
The Defense Ministry is reviewing a much larger contract for Igla-S systems as part of the very short-range air-defense system (VSHORAD) deal.
It is designed for use against visible aerial targets at short range such as tactical aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs), cruise missile, head-on or receding, in presence of natural (background) clutter and countermeasures.
As per requirements of the Indian Army, it will have a maximum range of 6 km, altitude of 3 km along with all-weather capability.
Igla-S missile system will replace the existing Igla in service which is in urgent need of replacement.

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