India gets Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles from Russia: All you need to know

Image for representation.  Credit: Agencies

A fresh batch of Russia-made Igla-S Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) has reached India, The Print reported citing defence sources. The Indian Army received 24 Igla-S MANPADS, which were accompanied by 100 missiles. A comment from Indian official is awaited. 

The delivery is said to be a part of a larger procurement deal, which will also include domestic production in India reportedly under a Russian licence. 

Igla-S is a hand-held anti-aircraft missile, which can bolster Indian Army's combat capability in various sensitive locations. 

What is Igla-S? 

It can be fired by an individual or crew in order to bring down an enemy aircraft. 

This portable anti-aircraft missile system is designed to engage all types of targets. 

It can hit aircraft and helicopters, as well as small airborne targets such as cruise missiles and drones. 

As per reports, it has an effective range of up to six kilometres. Its optimal altitude for effectively destroying targets is limited to 3.5 kilometres.