Context
The Indian Army is prepared to start
Indian Army to Receive Igla-S Air Defence Systems and Israeli Hermes-900 UAVs Assembled by ADSTL
The Army is also set to receive the first of two Israeli Hermes-900 Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) assembled by ADSTL in Hyderabad next month.
- The Igla-S systems were contracted last year under the fourth tranche of Emergency Procurements (EP) and are being assembled by Adani Defence Systems And Technologies Limited (ADSTL) in India under technology transfer from Rosoboronexport.
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Emergency Procurement:
- About: Under this provision, the armed forces can acquiring a new batch of Russian Igla-S systems, designed for very short-range air defense (VSHORAD).
Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)
VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian Industry Partners.
- Features: VSHORADAS missile incorporates many novel technologies including miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics which have been successfully proven during the tests.
- The missile is propelled by a dual thrust solid motor and meant for neutralizing low altitude aerial threats at short ranges.
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- swiftly acquire weapon systems costing up to ₹300 crore without additional clearance, streamlining the procurement process.
- Aim: The main goal of the EP mechanism was to address crucial operational shortcomings, especially along the northern borders.
- Background: The Ministry of Defense has granted emergency economic authority to the armed forces, marking the first instance since the 2016 Uri terror attack, subsequent to the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, and amidst the 2020 standoff with China in eastern Ladakh.
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Igla-S Air Defence Systems
Igla-S stands out as a prominent and highly efficient Man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) manufactured by Russia.
- Purpose: To intercept low-flying aircraft and can also detect and counter air threats like cruise missiles and drones.
Features of Igla-S Air Defence Systems
- Components: The Igla-S system comprises the 9M342 missile, an integral component of its combat arsenal.
- Range: With an effective range extending up to 6 kilometers, the Igla-S system can engage targets at significant distances.
- The system’s maximum altitude for efficiently destroying targets is restricted to 3.5 kilometers.
- Guidance System: It utilizes an infrared homing guidance system, relying on the target’s thermal radiation to track, lock on, and intercept.
- Type of Warhead: The missile is fitted with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead, capable of inflicting considerable damage upon impact.
- Components for Swift and Efficient Firing: It includes a launch tube, a grip-stock with a sighting device, and a firing mechanism for rapid and efficient firing.
- Portable Air Defense: Igla-S is made to be carried and operated easily by one person, making it perfect for infantry units and giving them air defense on the battlefield.
- Countermeasure Resilience: The system is equipped to withstand electronic countermeasures and decoy flares deployed by targeted aircraft.
- Designed for Versatile Effectiveness: The system is engineered to perform effectively in diverse weather conditions, including both day and night operations.
Man-Portable Air-Defence Systems (MANPADS)
- About: Man-Portable Air-Defence Systems are short-range, lightweight and portable surface-to-air missiles that can be fired by individuals or small groups to destroy aircraft or helicopters.
- They help shield troops from aerial attacks and are most effective in targeting low-flying aircrafts.
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History of MANPADS
- Cold War: The first MANPADS were introduced by the United States and Soviet Union in the 1960s.
- Russian and U.S. MANPADS were also used during the Vietnam war.
- Afghanistan War: The U.S. supplied MANPADSto the Mujahideen in Afghanistan in the 1980s, which the latter used against the Soviet forces.
May 17, 2024