Igla-S Missiles

The Indian Army has recently received new supplies of Russia-origin Igla-S Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS) as part of a Rs 260 crore contract signed under emergency procurement powers.

• The Igla-S is a man-portable, shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile (SAM) system that uses infrared (IR) homing to lock onto the heat signatures of aerial targets.

• Its compact form makes it ideal for mobile ground units in high-threat zones.

• Once fired, the missile homes in on the target’s engine heat, making it effective even against small, fast-moving threats like drones and helicopters.

• It is capable of engaging targets up to 6 km away and at altitudes of up to 3.5 km.