Igla-S

India has recently taken delivery of a new batch of Igla-S air defence missiles from Russia, a move that comes in the wake of increasing tensions with Pakistan following the recent terror incident in Pahalgam.

Overview of the Igla-S

The Igla-S is a Russian-made Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS). This lightweight, shoulder-fired weapon can be operated by a single individual or a small team. It is engineered to intercept and destroy low-altitude threats, including aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.

Key Features of the Igla-S

• The system includes several components: the 9M342 missile, the 9P522 launcher, the 9V866-2 mobile test station, and the 9F719-2 test equipment, collectively offering a robust air defence capability.
• The missile alone weighs 10.8 kg, while the entire system weighs about 18 kg, making it highly portable and suitable for rapid deployment by mobile units in hostile environments.
• The missile employs infrared homing to detect and lock onto the heat emitted by aerial targets.
• It has an effective range of up to 6 kilometers and can engage targets at altitudes as high as 3.5 kilometers.
• With a top speed of 400 meters per second, the Igla-S can be deployed in approximately 13 seconds, allowing for swift response to incoming threats.