Indian Army Enhances Border Defence with Fresh Igla-S Missile Supplies
In a significant boost to India’s frontline air defence, the Indian Army has received new supplies of Russian-origin Igla-S Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS). These systems have been delivered under a ₹260 crore emergency procurement contract, leveraging the fast-track powers granted by the Centre to expedite critical defence acquisitions.
Defence sources revealed that the fresh batches of Igla-S missiles were received a few weeks ago and have already been distributed to forward formations. These new units are expected to enhance protection against threats from enemy drones, helicopters, and fighter jets, particularly along the sensitive western sector.
The Igla-S is a more advanced and capable version of the earlier Igla systems that have been in service since the 1990s. The latest iteration offers improved accuracy and range, and has become vital in securing Indian borders against rapidly evolving aerial threats.
The Indian Air Force has also adopted a similar procurement strategy for infrared-based VSHORADS, highlighting a joint effort across the armed forces to strengthen close-range aerial defence infrastructure.
In parallel with these missile deliveries, the Army has issued tenders to acquire 48 more launchers and around 90 additional Igla-S missiles through fast-track procedures. Moreover, new laser beam-riding VSHORADS variants are also being considered for future induction.
As part of India’s broader air defence strategy, existing inventories of older Igla systems have been refurbished domestically, and indigenous solutions have been deployed as well. Notably, the Army is actively using the Mark 1 Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System, which can detect and neutralize drones at distances over 8 km using jamming, spoofing, and laser-kill technologies.
This system recently proved its effectiveness by bringing down a Pakistan Army drone in the Jammu region’s 16 Corps sector.
Further advancements include the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s development of high-power direct energy weapons designed to intercept larger drones, cruise missiles, and low-flying aircraft. Plans are also underway to procure mobile low-level radar systems to improve real-time detection of hostile low-altitude aerial threats.
With these steps, India’s armed forces are clearly focused on modernizing their air defence arsenal, blending imported technology with indigenous innovation to stay combat-ready against evolving threats on all fronts.
