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Source: The post is based on the article “Igla-S Missile: Russia to supply Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles to India” published in “TOI” on 16th November 2023
Why in the News?
Russia has signed a deal to provide Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles to India and authorized the local production of Igla-S under license.
What is Igla-S?
| Specifications | Details |
| What is it | Igla-S is a man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) that can be fired by an individual or crew to bring down an enemy aircraft. |
| Developed by | Russia |
| Features | It has a capability of bringing down low flying aircraft. It can also identify and neutralize air targets such as cruise missiles and drones. |
| Comprises of | The missile comprises 9M342 missile, 9P522 launching mechanism, 9V866-2 mobile test station and 9F719-2 test set. |
| Range | 500m to 6 km |
| Target Altitude | Upto 3.5 kms |
| Speed | 400 meters per second |
| Significance | This will boost India’s defence capabilities along Pakistan and China’s borders. |
Note: Russia is India’s largest arms supplier. According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI), Russia accounted for 45% of India’s arms imports between 2018 and 2022 followed by France at 29% and United States at 11%.
UPSC Syllabus: Defence
