Russia is set to deliver another batch of Igla-S short range man portable air defense systems (MANPADS) to India in the coming weeks, local media reported.
The delivery will take place by the end of May to early June, as the payment issues that delayed the delivery have been resolved, The Hindu reported, citing sources.
Moscow and New Delhi initially signed a contract for the supply and licensed manufacturing of Igla-S MANPADS in India last year, according to Russia’s main arms export body, Rosoboronexport.
The weaponry is being assembled in India by Adani Defense Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL) under technology transfer from Rosoboronexport.
The ADSTL will produce some parts of the imported missiles, including sights, launcher and battery in India, The Hindu said, citing a source.
The first batch of 24 systems and 100 missiles was delivered to the Indian Army early in April, In 2021, India purchased two dozen Igla-S systems under its emergency procurement program, though the current order is larger, according to reports.
The Igla-S, which is designed to bring down enemy aircraft or small-sized air targets such as cruise missiles, is meant to replace the outdated Soviet-era Igla-M systems used by India since the 1980s.
The Igla-S, with an interception range of up to 6km, is a significant upgrade over the previous modification. It includes a 9M342 missile that can be mounted on various platforms, effectively increasing its range and capability against smaller targets.
India decided to acquire the latest version of the Igla-S MANPADS in 2018, choosing Russian systems over French and Swedish ones in a competitive bidding process. However, the deal was delayed as some bidders contested the tender procedures. The deal was estimated at $1.5 billion at that time.
This purchase is part of a broader initiative under India's Very Short-Range Air Defense System (VSHORAD) procurement program, launched in 2010, aiming to procure 5,000 missiles, 258 single launchers, and 258 multi-launchers.
Payment issues that previously delayed the deal have now been resolved, according to unnamed official sources cited by The Hindu. Recent media reports indicated that Russian companies trading with India have found ways to use Indian rupees accumulating in special accounts in Indian banks, thanks to certain regulatory measures.
From 2019-2023, Russia remained India's main weapons supplier, accounting for 36% of India's arms imports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
