India's air defence gets boost with 250 crore Russian Igla-S Missiles

In a significant move to bolster its air defence shield, the Indian Army has delivered a fresh consignment of Russian-made Igla-S air defence missiles. Valued at over Rs 250 crore, this acquisition comes at a critical time, coinciding with heightened tensions along the border with Pakistan, particularly following the recent tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives.

These advanced Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS) have been directly supplied to the Army Air Defence Corps. According to defence sources cited by ANI, the missiles arrived a couple of weeks ago and are already being strategically deployed to forward military formations. Their primary role is to provide a robust defence against hostile aerial threats, including enemy aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), and attack helicopters.

The procurement of these Igla-S systems was fast-tracked under a contract signed using the special emergency financial powers granted by the Central Government to the armed forces. This provision allows for quicker acquisitions to meet urgent operational requirements, underscoring the perceived need to rapidly enhance missile capabilities, especially along the sensitive western front facing Pakistan.

The Igla-S represents an advanced iteration of the Igla missile systems, which have been a part of India's defence inventory since the 1990s. As VSHORADS, these shoulder-fired or launcher-mounted missiles play a vital role in providing low-level air defence cover to ground troops and vital installations, forming a crucial layer in the Indian Army's overall air defence network.

This strengthening effort is not limited to the Army alone. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has reportedly signed a similar contract to acquire additional air defence equipment, indicating a coordinated approach across services to upgrade India's ability to counter aerial threats effectively. The synergy between Army and Air Force procurements aims to create a more resilient national air defence network.

Furthermore, the Indian Army is actively pursuing additional enhancements. It has recently issued a tender under fast-track procedures seeking to purchase 48 more launchers and approximately 90 additional VSHORADS (IR) missiles. Looking towards future capabilities, the armed forces are also exploring options to acquire newer versions of laser beam-riding VSHORADS, signalling a continuous drive towards modernizing India's air defence arsenal.