In a fillip for India’s air defence capabilities amid increased tensions with Pakistan over Pahalgam terror attack, the Army has received a fresh consignment of Russian Igla-S missiles.
The Igla-S, an improved version of Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), was received by the Indian Army a couple of weeks ago following a ₹260 crore-worth contract inked under emergency procurement powers earlier.
Sources said that the missile systems, which the Army has been using since 1990s, have been handed over to forward formations for increasing firepower against fighter aircrafts, choppers and drones.
The Air Force has also opted for similar contracts for missile systems equipped with red sensor-based VSHORADS.
Procure more arms
The Army is looking to strengthen its inventory and has issued a tender for acquiring 48 more launchers and around 90 missiles of the VSHORADS (IR) under the fast-track procedures.
A large number of missiles as well as enhanced drone detection and destruction capabilities are needed by the Army to counter threats from all types of unmanned aerial vehicles used by the Pakistani Army on the western front.
Those already deployed include, Mark 1 of the indigenous Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System that can detect, jam, spoof and kill drones from a distance of over 8 km.
The systems are also fitted with lasers which can burn and bring down drones.
Published on May 4, 2025