IGLA S AIR DEFENCE
SYSTEM - DEFENCE AND SECURITY
News: Army set to receive Igla-S air
defence systems partly assembled in India
What's in the news?
●
The Indian Army will receive more Russian Igla-S very short-range air defense
systems (VSHORAD).
●
This will address a long-standing gap in its air
defense capabilities that has experienced several delays.
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:
1. Components:
●
The Igla-S system comprises the 9M342 missile, an
integral component of its combat arsenal.
2. 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.
3. Guidance System:
●
It utilizes an infrared homing guidance system,
relying on the target’s thermal radiation to track, lock on, and intercept.
4. Type of Warhead:
●
The missile is fitted with a high-explosive
fragmentation warhead, capable of inflicting considerable damage upon impact.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Countermeasure
Resilience:
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The system is equipped to withstand electronic
countermeasures and decoy flares deployed by targeted aircraft.
8. Designed for
Versatile Effectiveness:
●
The system is engineered to perform effectively in
diverse weather conditions, including both day and night operations.
Go back to basics:
Man-Portable Air-Defence
Systems (MANPADS):
●
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.