India gets Russian Igla-S missiles amid tensions with Pakistan
The short-range, shoulder-fired rockets have reportedly been received as part of an emergency procurement contract
The Indian Army has received a new shipment of Russian Igla-S air defense missiles, valued at over $300 million, to boost its capabilities, according to media reports.
This move comes amid increased tensions with Pakistan, following last month's terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir which resulted in the death of 26 people.
The missiles are being deployed to forward formations to counter threats posed by aircraft, drones, and attack helicopters, a report by the news agency ANI said.
The Igla-S is an upgraded variant of the Igla missile system, which has been in service with the Indian Army since the 1990s and forms a key component of the country's Very Short Range Air Defense Systems (VSHORADS).
This delivery was made under the emergency procurement powers granted to the armed forces by the government, reports said. As part of the Indian Army's air defense network, these systems are vital in providing protection against aerial threats.
In addition to the recent delivery, the Indian Army has also signed a deal for the procurement of 48 more launchers and approximately 90 VSHORADS; the process is being handled using fast-track procedures, according to a report by ANI.
On Saturday, the Pakistani military successfully carried out a test launch of a surface-to-surface missile called the Abdali Weapon System that has a reported range of 280 miles, according to defense officials.
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