Indian Army Receives New Batch of Russian-made Igla-S Missiles

The Indian Army has received a fresh batch of Russian-made Igla-S air defence missiles under an emergency procurement aimed at enhancing border security.

The missiles are being deployed to forward areas along the western frontier with Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which escalated tensions between the two countries.

The INR 260 crore ($30 million) procurement involves Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), designed to target low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Indian media reported that the new Igla-S missiles arrived a few weeks ago and are now being provided to forward formations to counter threats from enemy fighter aircraft, helicopters, and drones along the borders.

The Igla-S is a shoulder-fired, man-portable surface-to-air missile (SAM) system that uses infrared homing to lock onto airborne targets. With a range of up to 6 km and an altitude ceiling of 3.5 km, it is intended to protect against both manned and unmanned aerial threats.

This delivery is part of India’s broader effort to modernize its air defence, replacing older Igla models that have been in service since the 1990s. The upgraded Igla-S features improved seeker technology and enhanced resistance to electronic countermeasures. Older stockpiles have also been refurbished by a domestic defence firm to maintain operational readiness.

Amid increased drone use by Pakistan for surveillance and attacks, the Indian Army has also deployed the indigenous Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS), which can detect, jam, and destroy drones at distances exceeding 8 km. The systems are reported to be equipped with lasers capable of burning and disabling drones. Recently, an Army Air Defence unit used the system to shoot down a Pakistani drone near the 16 Corps zone in Jammu.

To further strengthen defences, the Army is seeking to procure 48 additional launchers and about 90 more missiles under fast-track procedures. The Indian Air Force is pursuing parallel procurement to enhance its own air defence capabilities.

Meanwhile, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing a directed energy weapon aimed at countering larger aerial threats such as UAVs, cruise missiles, and aircraft. Plans are also underway to deploy new low-level transportable radar units to improve detection of low-flying intrusions.