Russia to Supply Igla-S Anti-Aircraft Missiles to India

• 16 Nov 2023

Recently, Russia officially signed a contract to deliver Igla-S hand-held anti-aircraft missiles to India, allowing for the licensed production of the Igla system within the country.

Key Points

• Igla-S Anti-Aircraft Missiles Contract Signed: Russia has inked a contract to supply Igla-S hand-held anti-aircraft missiles to India.
• Local Production Arrangement: The head of the state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, stated that the signed document includes provisions for organizing the production of Igla-S MANPADS in India. A partnership with an Indian private company is underway for this purpose.
• Igla-S - Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS): The Igla-S is a MANPADS designed to be fired by individuals or crews, capable of bringing down enemy aircraft.
• Russia-India Defence Collaboration: Despite setbacks in Ukraine, Russia remains India's largest arms supplier.
• The collaboration involves joint production efforts, with the Indian Ministry of Defence receiving Su-30MKI fighter jets, tanks, armoured vehicles, shells, and earlier in the year, joint production of AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles.
• Russia Dominates India's Arms Imports: Russia accounted for 45% of India's arms imports between 2018 and 2022, with France and the United States providing 29% and 11%, respectively.