IGLA-S

IGLA-S

Why in The News?

India and Russia have officially signed a contract for the supply and co-production of Igla-S, hand-held anti-aircraft missiles.

About Igla-S

• The Igla-S is a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) capable of taking down enemy aircraft.
• It is a short-range surface-to-air missile.
• Developed by Russia
• It has won bid for Indian Army’s Very Short Range Air Defence deal.
• As per requirements of Indian Army, it will have maximum range of 6 km, altitude of 3 km along with all-weather capability.
• Igla-S missile system will replace the existing Igla in service.
• The signing of the contract between Russia and India for the supply and co-production of Igla-S is a significant development in their defense cooperation.

Key points:

1. Supply and Co-Production Deal:

• The contract includes both the supply of Igla-S missiles to India and the licensed production of the Igla-S MANPADS within India.

1. Indian Army’s Procurement History:

• The Indian Army had previously procured a small number of Igla-S systems from Russia under emergency procurement.

1. Defense Equipment Procurement from Russia:

• Russia remains a favoured destination for India’s defense purchases.
• According to SIPRI, Russia supplied almost 45% of India’s defense requirements between 2018 and 2022.

1. International Cooperation:

• The deal underscores the ongoing defense cooperation and partnership between India and Russia.
• The co-production element of the contract reflects a deeper level of collaboration between the two nations in the defense sector.

Overall, this development showcases the continued strong defense ties between India and Russia, with Russia being a major supplier of defense equipment to India despite geopolitical considerations and criticisms from other nations.

Prelims Questions:

1. The Igla-S, recently contracted between India and Russia, refers to a:
2. a) Long-range surface-to-air missile
   b) Man-portable air defense system (MANPADS)

Correct Answer: b) Man-portable air defense system (MANPADS)

Explanation: The Igla-S is a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) capable of taking down enemy aircraft, as mentioned in the provided content.

1. According to SIPRI data, Moscow supplied approximately what percentage of India’s defense requirements between 2018 and 2022?
2. a) 30%
   b) 45%
   c) 60%

Correct Answer: b) 45%

Explanation: The content highlights that according to SIPRI, Moscow supplied almost 45% of India’s defense requirements between 2018 and 2022.