SOURCE: AFI
In a recent video released by Adani Defence, the Russian Igla-S air defence system was spotted in the background, confirming that the Indian Army is set to receive the much-anticipated Igla-S systems, which are partly assembled in India. The contract for these advanced man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS) was signed last year under the fourth tranche of Emergency Procurements (EP), with multiple official sources confirming that Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL) is assembling the systems under a technology transfer agreement with Russia’s Rosoboronexport.
Under the agreement, the Indian Army has contracted 48 Igla-S launchers, 100 missiles, 48 night sights, and one missile testing station in a deal valued at approximately ?260 crore. Deliveries of these systems are expected to commence by the end of May 2024, an official source stated. The contract was placed with ADSTL, marking a significant step in India’s defence procurement strategy, aimed at boosting indigenous manufacturing and reducing reliance on direct imports.
The Igla-S is a highly capable shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile (SAM) system designed for use against low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones. With advanced targeting capabilities and enhanced infrared seeker technology, the Igla-S system significantly enhances the short-range air defence (SHORAD) capabilities of the Indian Army.
This procurement comes at a time when India is bolstering its air defence capabilities in response to evolving regional security challenges. The Igla-S will provide frontline troops with a critical defence mechanism against aerial threats, enhancing the operational readiness of the Indian Army.
With deliveries set to begin soon, the integration of Igla-S systems into India’s air defence network will mark a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military hardware with a mix of indigenous and imported technologies.
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