Moscow anticipates that a key contract on the supply and licensed production of 9K338 Igla-S man-portable air defense systems in India will be inked. The 14th Aero India 2023 international air show is underway in Bangalore on February 13-17. The event is held once every two years, with Russia being an active participant here. Russia state news agency TASS reported that Moscow is set to present more than 200 samples of its military products this year. In 2022, the project on the supply and licensed production of the portable air defense systems was pending approval.
Deputy Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Vladimir Drozhzhov told TASS at the Aero India 2023 international exhibition in Bangalore. We are looking forward to the Indian side’s decision on signing the contract on the supply and licensed production of Igla-S man-portable air defense systems,” Vladimir Drozhzhov said.
The 9K38 Igla (Needle, NATO reporting name SA-18 Grouse) is a Russian/Soviet man-portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. A simplified, earlier version is known as the 9K310 Igla-1 (NATO: SA-16 Gimlet), and the latest variant is the 9K338 Igla-S (SA-24 Grinch). The Igla-1 entered service in 1981, the Igla in 1983, and the Igla-S in 2004. The Igla has been supplemented by the 9K333 Verba since 2014. Igla and Igla-1 SAMs have been exported from the former Soviet Union to over 30 countries, including India.
From 28 July 1992 to 2 August 1992 the Indian Army mounted Operation Trishul Shakti to protect the Bahadur post in Chulung when it was attacked by a large Pakistani assault team. On 1 August 1992, Pakistani helicopters were attacked by an Indian Igla missile and Brig. Masood Navid Anwari (PA 10117) then Force Commander Northern Areas and other accompanying troops were killed. This led to a loss of momentum on the Pakistani side and the assault stalled. 2,500 Igla-S man-portable air defense system launchers supplied in 2001–2002.
