Indian Army Set to Receive Russian Igla-S, Israeli UAVs

May 16, 2024

The Indian Army will be able to defend itself better in the air after getting more Russian Igla-S very short-range air defense weapons (VSHORAD). The Army’s defensive actions will depend on these systems, which should arrive by the end of May or the beginning of June. Under a deal with Rosoboronexport, Adani Defence Systems And Technologies Limited (ADSTL) in India puts together the Igla-S pieces. The ₹260 crore deal includes 48 Igla-S launchers, 100 missiles, 48-night sights, and a station for testing missiles.

Acquisition of Hermes-900 UAVs

The Indian Army is also going to get its first Hermes-900 Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) from Israel at the same time. As part of the Army’s plan to improve its monitoring and reconnaissance skills, ADSTL in Hyderabad put this unmanned aerial vehicle together. After the arrival of four Heron-Mk2 UAVs in 2021, which are already in use in the Eastern area, the Hermes-900 was introduced.

Resolution of Payment Issues with Russia

The main reason for the payment problems between India and Russia was the sanctions put in place after Russia’s role in the conflict in Ukraine. The fact that these problems have been resolved is a big step toward this purchase. In the past, these financial problems slowed down several military deals, such as the purchase of the S-400 air defense system. The problem was solved by switching to national currencies for payments. This let India use the Russian rubles it had saved up for these transactions.

Future Air Defence Strategy

Adding the Igla-S and Hermes-900 is part of a larger plan to improve India’s complex air defence system. This includes orders for advanced missile systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The goal is to boost the development of defense technologies in the country itself through partnerships and the sharing of technology. The Indian military is still working to improve both their very short range and middle to long range air defence systems. This is to make sure they have a strong defence against a wide range of aerial threats.

More About Igla-S VSHORAD systems

It is a Russian man-portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile system that is also known as the SA-24 Grinch.
It is an improved form of the Igla (SA-18) system that was made in the early 2000s.
Compared to its predecessor, the Igla-S has a longer range and is more deadly.
The system can shoot at objects up to 6,000 meters away.
Up to 3,500 meters away, it can aim at things.
The target and warhead on the Igla-S are better, which makes it more powerful.
Made to not be affected by thermal defences, which makes it more reliable in battle.
Reports say that the system has a high chance of killing with every shot (0.7).
Strong enough to destroy planes, drones, and cruise missiles.
Many countries around the world use the Igla-S.
It has been sent to several places where there is strife, such as Ukraine and Syria.

More About Hermes-900 UAV

The Israeli company Elbit Systems made the Hermes-900, a medium-sized robotic aerial vehicle (UAV) that can do a lot of different things.
The first flight of the drone happened in 2009.
It can go up to 30,000 feet in elevation and last for 36 hours.
Built mainly for data relay and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
It also helps on the ground and patrols the water.
The length of the plane is 15 meters, and it can carry 350 kg of cargo.
The Hermes-900 is used by Brazil, Switzerland, and Mexico, among other places.
Especially useful for managing disasters, such as assessing damage from wildfires in Chile.

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