Context:
The Army is all set to begin receiving another set of Igla-S
Igla-S:
- A man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) developed by Russia.
- Capabilities –
- Hand-held defence system that can be operated by an individual or crew.
- Designed to bring down low-flying aircraft and can also identify and neutralise air targets such as cruise missiles and drones.
- Comprises – 9M342 missile, the 9P522 launching mechanism, the 9V866-2 mobile test station, and the 9F719-2 test set.
- Range – 500 metres to 6 kilometres and attack targets up to an altitude of 3.5 kilometres.
- VSHORAD (very short-range air defence systems) – Last line of defence against enemy combat aircraft, helicopters and UAVs in the multilayered air defence network.
- Significance – Acquisition of the Igla-S MANPADS marks a significant step in enhancing India’s air defence capabilities, particularly in mountainous regions.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) An Israeli radar system
(b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme
(c) An American anti-missile system
(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea.
Answer: (c)
