New Delhi, 8 April - India has bolstered its air defense capabilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China by deploying the Igla-S MAN portable air defense system. The first unit, comprising 24 launchers and 100 anti-aircraft missiles, was recently received in a consignment from Russia. These shoulder-fired missiles have a range of 6 km and significantly enhance India's ability to engage enemy aircraft and drones at close range.

The Igla-S system, ordered last year to meet the Army's immediate needs, represents a substantial upgrade over older systems. It boasts improved lethality and effectiveness against low-altitude air threats. This includes the ability to neutralize enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles in high mountainous terrain. The Igla-S missile weighs 10.8 kg, with the entire system weighing 18 kg. It is equipped with an explosive warhead weighing 1.17 kg and can engage targets at altitudes of up to 11,000 feet.

The Indian Army's order to the Russian company Rosoboron Export included 24 launchers and 216 missiles. This procurement was part of an emergency acquisition in 2021 to bolster the Army's Very Short Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) capabilities. The recent delivery of 24 Igla-S MANPADS with 100 missiles marks the first batch of this deal, with the remainder expected to be produced in India. These systems have already been deployed along the LAC.

India's existing air defense arsenal includes indigenous systems like the Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) and the medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM). The addition of the Igla-S VSHORAD system from Russia further enhances India's ability to engage close-range air threats. Short-range air defense systems like Igla-S are crucial for protecting against low-altitude threats, particularly helicopters and low-flying close air support aircraft.