India Strengthens Air Defense: Russian Igla-S Missiles Deployed to Forward Army Units

KKN Gurugram Desk | In a major move to enhance its low-altitude air defense capabilities, the Indian Army has begun the deployment of Igla-S man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) supplied by Russia. These advanced missile systems are being handed over to forward-deployed Army units, signaling a significant upgrade in India’s defense preparedness, particularly in regions facing persistent aerial threats from drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft.

What is the Igla-S Missile System?

The Igla-S (SA-24 ‘Grinch’) is a shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile system developed by Russia. It is designed to engage aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at low altitudes. Known for its high precision and portability, the Igla-S is a major advancement over its predecessor, the Igla-M, with improved countermeasure resistance and a longer range.

Key specifications include:

• Target Range: Up to 6 km

• Altitude Coverage: Up to 3.5 km

• Guidance System: Infrared homing

• Portability: Can be carried and operated by a single soldier

• Response Time: Extremely fast with quick deployment capability

These features make it ideal for frontline defense operations, particularly in mountainous terrains and disputed border areas, such as along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and in the western front with Pakistan.

Deployment to Forward Positions: A Tactical Move

The Indian Army has begun distributing these missile systems to its forward posts, particularly in strategic and high-tension zones. This deployment comes amid growing concerns over the increasing use of combat drones and rotary-wing aircraft by adversarial forces, especially along the northern and western borders.

Forward deployment ensures:

• Faster Response Times in case of enemy aerial intrusion

• Enhanced Surveillance & Protection of key installations

• Increased Deterrence against enemy air operations

• A self-sufficient strike capability in remote high-altitude zones

This tactical decision underscores India’s commitment to modernizing its low-altitude air defense architecture with precision-based, rapid-response systems.

Why India Chose Igla-S Over Other Systems

India’s decision to opt for the Russian-made Igla-S system follows an extended period of trials, evaluations, and defense negotiations. The Igla-S was selected as part of a $1.5 billion Very Short Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) deal signed with Russia.

Several contenders were in the race, including offerings from France and Sweden, but the Igla-S scored high on mobility, effectiveness, and operational familiarity with Indian forces.

Factors influencing the decision:

• Combat-Proven System used in multiple conflict zones

• Interoperability with Indian Army’s existing systems

• Cost-effectiveness compared to Western alternatives

• Faster delivery timeline due to longstanding Indo-Russian defense cooperation

Strategic Importance in the Current Geopolitical Context

The induction of Igla-S comes at a time when India’s strategic environment remains volatile. With China aggressively modernizing its military capabilities and Pakistan expanding its drone warfare programs, India needs robust and responsive air defense mechanisms.

Several recent incidents highlight the urgency:

• Drone incursions near military bases in Jammu and Kashmir

• PLA Air Force activities near the LAC

• Increasing reliance on UAVs for reconnaissance and small-scale attacks

By inducting Igla-S, India is reinforcing its multi-layered air defense network, which already includes systems like Akash, SPYDER, and Barak-8.

Indigenous Manufacturing and the Role of Make in India

While the current batch of Igla-S systems has been imported directly from Russia, future plans include local manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The production is expected to be undertaken by Adani Defence in partnership with Rosoboronexport, the Russian state arms exporter.

Benefits of local manufacturing:

• Job creation and skill development

• Technology transfer from Russia

• Faster availability and maintenance

• Boost to India’s defense industrial base

This aligns with India’s broader push to reduce dependency on foreign defense imports and become a self-reliant defense producer.

Operational Advantages in Counter-Drone Warfare

The evolving battlefield demands adaptive countermeasures. Drones are now a central element in modern warfare, especially for surveillance and precision strikes. The Igla-S system provides the Indian Army with:

• Rapid identification and targeting of enemy drones

• Enhanced protection for convoys and bases

• Low logistical footprint for remote deployment

• A critical countermeasure to swarm drone threats

This capability is particularly vital in border sectors, where drones have been used to drop arms, ammunition, and surveillance equipment.

India-Russia Defense Ties: A Longstanding Partnership

The acquisition of Igla-S is a continuation of India’s robust defense relationship with Russia. Over 60% of India’s defense equipment originates from Russian technology or direct imports. Despite global geopolitical pressures, India continues to pursue its independent strategic interests, including defense partnerships that serve its security needs.

Other ongoing Indo-Russian defense projects include:

• S-400 Triumf air defense systems

• BrahMos missile joint production

• T-90 tank procurement and upgrades

• INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier modernization

The Igla-S deal reaffirms mutual trust and strategic alignment, even as India also engages with Western partners like the US, France, and Israel for other defense technologies.

Concerns and Criticism

Despite the strategic advantages, some critics have raised concerns:

• Over-dependence on Russian systems, especially in a conflict scenario where supply lines may be affected

• Potential delays in localization and transfer of technology

• The challenge of integrating Russian MANPADS with other Western-origin systems in service

However, defense analysts argue that the immediate need for counter-drone and low-altitude air defense justifies the procurement.

The deployment of Russian Igla-S MANPADS to the Indian Army’s forward units marks a critical step in upgrading India’s air defense ecosystem. In an era where airspace threats are more agile and unpredictable, having a mobile, responsive, and effective defense mechanism is not just strategic—it’s essential.

As India continues to navigate a complex regional security environment, systems like Igla-S will play a key role in protecting its sovereignty and deterring aerial threats at the frontlines.